The scarlet letter / Nathaniel Hawthorne.

The custom-house: Introductory to "The Scarlet Letter" -- The prison door -- The market-place -- The recognition -- The interview -- Hester at her needle -- Pearl -- The governor's hall -- The elf-child and minister -- The leech -- The leech and his patient -- The interior of a heart -- The minister's vigil -- Another view of Hester -- Hester and the physician -- Hester and Pearl -- A forest walk -- The pastor and his parishioner -- A flood of sunshine -- The child at the brookside -- The minister in a maze -- The new England holiday -- The procession -- The revelation of the scarlet letter -- Conclusion.

"The Scarlet Letter is a novel set in 17th-century Puritan Massachusetts that tells the story of Hester Prynne, who conceives a daughter through an affair and struggles to create a new life of repentance and dignity. The novel explores themes of sin, legalism, and the nature of evil"-- Amazon.

"Set in 17th-century puritanical New England, the story revolves around Hester Prynne, a woman marked by the scarlet letter 'A' as a symbol of her sin - adultery. In a judgemental society that thrives on hypocrisy, Hester bravely bears the weight of her transgression while refusing to reveal the identity of her lover. As the community grapples with the enigma of the scarlet letter, the novel weaves a gripping tale of love, guilt, and redemption. Against the austere backdrop of Salem, Hawthorne skillfully explores the complexities of human nature, delving into themes of shame, vengeance, and the relentless pursuit of truth. The Scarlet Letter remains a timeless masterpiece, inviting readers to contemplate the destructive power of secrets and the possibility of genuine repentance. Through the indomitable spirit of Hester Prynne, Hawthorne's magnum opus reminds us that in the crucible of society's judgement, true strength lies in embracing our flaws, finding solace in truth, and ultimately, seeking forgiveness and renewal"-- Back cover.