The Scarlet Letter is a novel written by Nathaniel Hawthorne. His works often focus on history, morality, and religion. Much of Hawthornes writing centres on New England, with many works featuring moral metaphors with an anti-Puritan inspiration. His fiction works are considered part of the Romantic movement and, more specifically, dark romanticism. His themes often centre on the inherent evil and sin of humanity, and his works often have moral messages and deep psychological complexity. His published works include novels and short stories. The Scarlet Letter, set in Puritan New England during the 1600s, is a love story with its roots, but one filled with sin and punishment. It is also a critique of the hypocrisy of Puritan culture. It follows the story of Hester Prynne, who is ostracised for committing adultery and forced to wear a scarlet letter A on her chest as a symbol of her sin. As Hester grapples with societal judgement, she raises her daughter, Pearl, and refuses to reveal the identity of Pearls father. The novel explores themes of sin, guilt, redemption, and the harsh judgmental nature of society at the time. The characters struggle with the consequences of their actions, and the narrative delves into the complexities of morality and forgiveness.