The Scarlet Letter
Novel
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Nathaniel Hawthorne
The Scarlet Letter Key Facts
Key Facts
Full Title: The Scarlet Letter
Author: Nathaniel Hawthorne
Type of Work: Novel
Genre: Romance; Historical fiction
Language: English
Time and Place of Writing: Salem and Concord, Massachusetts; written in the late 1840s
First Publication: 1850
Publisher: Ticknor, Reed, and Fields
Narrator: The story is told by an unnamed narrator who once worked as a customs officer...
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The Scarlet Letter Summary
Summary
The Custom-House and Discovery: The novel begins with a long introduction called The Custom-House. The unnamed narrator works in the Salem Custom House as a surveyor. One day, while exploring the attic, he discovers an old package. Inside it, he finds a piece of red cloth shaped like a letter “A,” beautifully embroidered in gold thread, and a faded manuscript written by a former surveyor....
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The Scarlet Letter Characters
Hester Prynne: Protagonist and wearer of the Scarlet Letter
Arthur Dimmesdale: Puritan minister in Boston
Pearl: Illicit daughter of Hester and Dimmesdale
Roger Chillingworth: Hester's aged husband. Real name: Prynne.
Governor Billingham: Former governor of Boston
Mistress Hibbins: Billingham's sister. Symbol of evil.
John Wilson: Boston's elder clergyman.
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The Scarlet Letter Literary Device
Symbols
The Scarlet Letter “A”: At first, the scarlet letter “A” marks Hester’s shame and punishment. Over time, it becomes a sign of her endurance, compassion, and ability. The same symbol that condemns her turns into one that honors her strength.
The Scaffold: The scaffold is the stage of truth in the story. Hester’s public shame, Dimmesdale’s secret guilt, and his final confession all happen th...
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The Scarlet Letter Quotations
Quotes
“It may serve, let us hope, to symbolize some sweet moral blossom, that may be found along the track, or relieve the darkening close of a tale of human frailty and sorrow.”
“People say,” said another, “that the Reverend Master Dimmesdale, her godly pastor, takes it very grievously to his heart that such a scandal has come upon his congregation.”
“Ah, but ... let her cover the m...
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The Scarlet Letter Theme
Themes
Sin, Guilt, and Redemption: The novel shows how every sin leaves a deep mark on human life. Hester bears her shame with courage and finds peace through good deeds. Dimmesdale hides his sin and suffers until he confesses, freeing himself. Redemption comes through honesty, love, and repentance.
The Nature of Evil: In the novel, evil is not just sin but also revenge and hatred. Chillingworth’s...
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Notes
Explore 20 detailed notes related to The Scarlet Letter. Each note provides in-depth analysis, explanations, and critical insights.