Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote The Scarlet Letter in 1850 and it remains one of the most widely read American novels to this day. But why did Hawthorne write The Scarlet Letter?
It is widely believed that Hawthorne wrote The Scarlet Letter as a way to explore the themes of sin, guilt, and redemption. Throughout the novel, Hawthorne examines how these three themes intertwine with one another and manifest in the characters’ actions. Hester Prynne is an outcast from society due to her indiscretion; however, her strength of character allows her to rise above her circumstances despite being judged by others. Her lover, Reverend Dimmesdale, is consumed by guilt due to his own sins and eventually pays a heavy price for them. Chillingworth is destroyed by his own obsession with revenge and seeks revenge on those he believes have wronged him. Finally, Pearl symbolizes redemption through her innocence and is a source of hope for Hester throughout her trials.
Another reason why Hawthorne wrote The Scarlet Letter was to examine the effects of Puritanism on society. In the novel, Hawthorne portrays Puritan society as oppressive and judgmental while showing how this environment can lead to hypocrisy among its citizens. It’s easy to see how Hawthorne used this story as a way to criticize some aspects of Puritan beliefs while also exploring their impact on human behavior.
