The Scarlet Letter : Nathaniel Hawthorne
One can read this book to have a glimpse of 18th century English literature . You have to cut through a lot of cream before you get to crux of the novel .
Author explains the traditions/norms in England in 18th century through four characters Hester and her child Pearl , Roger Chillingworth and Dimmesdale . Hester Prynne marries physician Roger secretly and bores a baby .However , she takes a vow not to reveal her husband's name . As per society norms at that time she gets ostracized by the community and she struggles with upbringing of her kid . Author explains the anguish and ordeal of a single mom in 18th century through the conversations between Hester and her kid Pearl . Finally after seven years of crucification , Priest Dimmesdale ends Hester's ordeal by revealing Pearl's father's name to everyone in the town . In his death bed , Dimmsdale bequeaths his property to her child Pearl who becomes the richest person in England in that epoch .
