The Scarlet Letter is a work of historical fiction by American author Nathaniel Hawthorne, published in 1850.

Set in Puritan Massachusetts Bay Colony during the years 1642 to 1649, the novel tells the story of Hester Prynne who conceives a daughter through an affair and then struggles to create a new life of repentance and dignity.

The book explores themes of legalism, sin, and guilt.
(from wikipedia.org)

Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804 - 1864) was an American novelist, dark romantic, and short story writer.

Much of Hawthorne's writing centers on New England, 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 center on the inherent evil and sin of humanity, and his works often have moral messages and deep psychological complexity.
(from wikipedia.org)