"The Scarlet Letter" is a novel written by the American author Nathaniel Hawthorne. It was first published in 1850 and is considered one of Hawthorne's most famous and enduring works. Set in 17th-century Puritan Massachusetts, the novel tells the story of Hester Prynne, a young woman who is shunned by her community after giving birth to an illegitimate child. She is forced to wear a scarlet "A" on her clothing as a symbol of her adultery. As Hester grapples with the consequences of her actions and the judgment of her society, she also becomes entangled in the lives of other townspeople, including the enigmatic Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale and the vengeful Roger Chillingworth. "The Scarlet Letter" is celebrated for its exploration of themes related to sin, guilt, redemption, and the moral complexities of human behavior. It is a classic of American literature and is known for its rich symbolism and psychological depth. The novel's enduring impact on literature and its themes of individualism and societal judgment continue to make it a significant work in the canon of American literature.