titles for essays about the scarlet letter

99 Scarlet Letter Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best scarlet letter topic ideas & essay examples, 📌 most interesting scarlet letter topics to write about, 👍 good research topics about scarlet letter, ❓ scarlet letter essay questions.

• The Scarlet Letter Soundtrack and Songs Explained The song illustrates how unprepared she is to receive that form of treatment from her fellow people and that she is not ready to go through all that alone.”Standing out in a crowd Where the […]
• Critical Analysis of The Scarlet Letter Hester gives birth to a child after having an affair while waiting for the arrival of the husband and conceals the identity of the child’s father.
• “The Scarlet Letter” and “The Young Goodman” by Hawthorne The application of imagery and symbolism in this piece of work begins with symbolization of the Old general depicts the reawakening of the characters upon being motivated by the actions of the other person.
• Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter” From Several Perspectives The story was written in the nineteenth century, but there is a great deal of information provided within the text about the earlier lives of the author’s ancestors, making it a somewhat historical novel in […]
• Critical Approach Analysis of “The Scarlet Letter” Generally, such important themes as legalism, guilt, immorality, and sin related in the novel may be discussed through the prism of historicism, and even the very title of the novel featuring the word “scarlet” or […]
• Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter” Novel The theme of sin is depicted through emotional sufferings and experience of the main heroes of the novel: Hester Prynne, her husband Roger Chillingworth and Hester’s lover, Dimmesdale.
• The Scarlet Letter When examining the novel, it becomes clear that the writing style and the way in which the author delves into the Puritan way of life seemingly shows the double standards that existed at the time.
• “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne This begs the question, whether a human or the whole society has a right to take the function of God and to punish the sin.
• A Study of Guilt and Repentance in “The Scarlet Letter” by Hawthorne Thus, it is essential to determine how the author used the symbol of the scarlet letter to highlight the sinful person and identify whether it is possible to atone for the guilt or conceal it.
• ‘The Minister’s Black Veil’ and ‘The Scarlet Letter’ by Hawthrone The Scarlet Letter depicts the supposed sin committed by Hester Prynne as an act against the social and religious standards of the time.
• The Scarlet Letter by Hawthorne Despite the many pieces of evidence of virtue, they look paltry compared to the description of weaknesses in the main character of the story, Dimmesdale.
• Nathaniel Hawthorne “The Scarlet Letter” These lines are from the ‘Forest Walk’ chapter of the novel where Hester scolds her daughter, Pearl for questioning the burned “A” on the minister’s chest.
• US History in The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne The book by Nathaniel Hawthorne titled The Scarlet Letter is considered the best work of his not in vain the contents and the topics touched upon in it raise much profound thinking and reveal the […]
• Hawthorne’s Concept of Evil in “Rappaccini’s Daughter” and “The Scarlet Letter” The way that the community dealt with this transgression of marital bonds comprises the bulk of the story, in which it is finally revealed that the highly respected Reverend Dimmesdale was the father of the […]
• “The Scarlet Letter”: A Darkened End For both Hester and for the townspeople, the mere presence of this letter appearing this one time on her dress is enough to mark her as something different from the rest of them and secluded.
• The History Behind The Scarlet Letter: Way of Life of Early Colonists in Puritan-Influenced New England Once Hester’s secret was out, it was obvious to the entire village that Hester was not provided with the same degree of faith as the rest of the villagers and was therefore a greater sinner.
• Characters in “The Scarlet Letter” and “Hamlet” Film Hester returns to Boston just before her death, in order to be buried in the same grave as Dimmesdale, with ‘A’ inscribed on their tombstone. Much to her son’s anger and disgust, she marries Claudius […]
• Revenge & Shame in Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter” The main goal of this paper is to analyze The Scarlet Letter to reveal the author’s idea of the frustration of revenge and victory over shame.
• Puritans in “The Scarlet Letter” by Hawthorne As I read through the introductory part of the novel, the statements made by the narrator reinforced the idea that the Puritans were bad people. I was surprised at the obsession they had when it […]
• “The Scarlet Letter” a Novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne This essay asserts that the role of the narrator in The Scarlet Letter functions more as social critic of the Puritanical values that founded the United States; the narrator of The Scarlet Letter represents Hawthorne’s […]
• Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter: Resilience and Redemption The plot of the novel immerses the readers into the 17th century to demonstrate the environment of the Puritan era in America.
• Rev. Arthur Dimmesdale in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter” Another man had returned out of the forest; a wiser one-” Dimmesdale finds it wise and peaceful to confess his sin. After giving his sermon, Dimmesdale stands on the scaffold and he tells the congregation […]
• Nathaniel Hawthorne: Pearl and “The Scarlet Letter” The following is an analysis of the character Pearl in the story The Scarlet Letter where more focus is put on her character and what she represents/ symbolizes in the story.
• Literature Aspects in “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne Second, the Bay Colony of Massachusetts is likened to an island in the midst of wilderness, indicating that the place is undeveloped First, the market place is described.
• Willingness to Judge: A Deconstructive Approach to Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter The truth is founded by a reading of the root of the reality in question where in every case the ensuing fact is an occulted form of the reading.
• Throwing Stones at the Sinful Ones: The Two Stories Intertwined Though this can be explained by the cruel and uncompromising spirit of the ear, it is still hard to believe that the false morals and the environment created by the church influenced people so hard […]
• The Three Mental State of Hester Prynne in “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne
• A History and Symbolism in “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne
• The Use of Body Language and Facial Expressions in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter”
• The Value of Pearl in “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne
• The Symbols of Romanticism in “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne
• “The Scarlet Letter” as a Commentary on the American History
• The Theme of Good Versus Evil in “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne
• The Use of Motifs in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter”
• Appearance and Reality in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter”
• The Symbol of the Rosebush in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter”
• A Passionate Heart in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter”
• The Struggles of Pearl in “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne
• The Symbol of Pearl for the Character Hester Prynne in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter”
• The Unchanged Character of Hester in Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter”
• The Use of Irony in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller and “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne
• The Use of Symbolism in “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne
• A Tale of Human Frailty and Sorrow in “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne
• The Functions of Physical Settings in “The Scarlet Letter”
• The Sin of Adultery Portrayed in “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne
• The Transformation of the Reverend Master Dimmesdale in Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter”
• The Sufferings of Reverend Dimmesdale in “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne
• The Ways of the Puritans in “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne
• A Criticism of the Puritan Tradition in “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne
• Arthur Dimmesdale’s Self-Inflicted Torture in “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne
• The Theme of Innocence in “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne
• Comparing “Young Goodman Brown” and “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne
• The Victims of Slavery in “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne
• The Use of Literary Devices, Imagery, and Symbolic Elements in “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne
• True Love in “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne
• Alienation of Hester Prynne in “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne
• An Analysis of Light and Darkness in “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne
• Use of Color to Express Emotion in Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter”
• An Analysis of Chillingworth’s Ideas of Revenge in “The Scarlet Letter”
• Hypocrisy and Conformity in “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne
• The Symbolic Use of Nature in Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter”
• The Themes Punishment vs. Forgiveness Present in “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne
• An Overview of the Concept of Sin in “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne
• The Romantic Heroine in “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne
• The Themes of Guilt and Adultery in “The Scarlet Letter” by Hawthorne
• An Overview of the Concept of Tragic Hero in “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne
• The Role of Romanticism in the Development of Characters in “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne
• The Tragedy of Dimmesdale in “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne
• What Influenced Nathaniel Hawthorne to Write “The Scarlet Letter”?
• How Was Guilt Handled in “The Scarlet Letter,” “Red Badge of Courage,” and “The Crucible”?
• Who Was the Protagonist in “The Scarlet Letter”?
• How Has One Sin Affected the Lives of Four Individuals in “The Scarlet Letter”?
• Is “The Scarlet Letter” a Protofeminist Novel?
• How Did Hester Prynne Exhibit Feminism in “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne?
• Is Hester Truly Penitent for Her Crime in “The Scarlet Letter”?
• How Does Sin Cause Characters to Act Differently in “The Scarlet Letter”?
• How Does “The Scarlet Letter” Comment on Religion in America?
• What Are the Roles of Chillingworth and Wilson Characters in “The Scarlet Letter”?
• Why Does Dimmesdale Intervene on Pearl’s Behalf When Governor Bellingham Orders Her Removed From Hester’s Care in “The Scarlet Letter”?
• How Do the Characters Live and Deal With the Effects of Sin in “The Scarlet Letter”?
• How Does Transcendentalism Affect “The Scarlet Letter”?
• What Is the Difference Between How Adultery Is Viewed Now and How It Was Viewed by Puritan Society in “The Scarlet Letter”?
• How Is “The Scarlet Letter” Relevant to Today’s Teens?
• Why Does Dimmesdale Keep Putting His Hand Over His Heart in “The Scarlet Letter”?
• How Is “The Scarlet Letter” Embodied by Pearl?
• Do People in the Community Believe Hester’s Punishment for Adultery Is Too Light or Too Strict in “The Scarlet Letter”?
• What’s the Role of the Sets in “The Scarlet Letter”?
• What Are the Motifs of Dimmesdale and Chillingworth’s Friendship in “The Scarlet Letter”??
• Does Chillingworth Ever Forgive Hester in “The Scarlet Letter”?
• What Is the Long-Term Effect of Sin in “The Scarlet Letter”?
• Should Readers Pity Hester as a Character in “The Scarlet Letter”?
• What Is the Role of Puritan Ethic in the Events of “The Scarlet Letter”?
• Who Is More Racked by Guilt in “The Scarlet Letter”?
• Should Dimmesdale Have Said Something When Governor Bellingham Took Pearl From Hester in “The Scarlet Letter”?
• What Does the Prison Door Symbolize in “The Scarlet Letter”?
• Does the Puritan Community See Hester’s Punishment as Too Strict or Too Lenient in “The Scarlet Letter”?
• Is Pearl a Curse or a Blessing in “The Scarlet Letter”?
• Does Hester’s True Identity Differ From What Society Attributes Her in “The Scarlet Letter”?
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129 Scarlet Letter Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

The Scarlet Letter, written by Nathaniel Hawthorne, is a classic novel that explores themes of sin, guilt, and redemption. It tells the story of Hester Prynne, a woman who is forced to wear a scarlet letter "A" on her chest as punishment for committing adultery. The novel is filled with rich symbolism and complex characters, making it a popular choice for literary analysis and essay writing.

If you're struggling to come up with a topic for your Scarlet Letter essay, fear not! We've compiled a list of 129 essay topic ideas and examples to help get your creative juices flowing. Whether you're looking to explore the symbolism of the scarlet letter itself, analyze the character of Hester Prynne, or delve into the themes of sin and redemption, we've got you covered. So grab your pen and paper, and let's get writing!

• Analyze the symbolism of the scarlet letter "A" in the novel.
• Explore the theme of sin and guilt in The Scarlet Letter.
• Discuss the role of religion in the novel.
• Compare and contrast the characters of Hester Prynne and Dimmesdale.
• Examine the theme of redemption in The Scarlet Letter.
• Discuss the significance of the setting in the novel.
• Analyze the character of Pearl and her role in the novel.
• Explore the theme of hypocrisy in The Scarlet Letter.
• Discuss the role of women in the novel.
• Compare and contrast the Puritan society with modern society.
• Analyze the character of Chillingworth and his motivations.
• Discuss the theme of isolation in the novel.
• Explore the symbolism of nature in The Scarlet Letter.
• Analyze the relationship between Hester and Dimmesdale.
• Discuss the theme of punishment in the novel.
• Compare and contrast the reactions of the townspeople to Hester's sin.
• Analyze the symbolism of the scaffold scenes in the novel.
• Discuss the role of the narrator in The Scarlet Letter.
• Explore the theme of forgiveness in the novel.
• Analyze the character of Governor Bellingham and his role in the novel.
• Discuss the theme of morality in The Scarlet Letter.
• Compare and contrast the characters of Hester and Chillingworth.
• Analyze the character of Mistress Hibbins and her significance in the novel.
• Discuss the theme of revenge in The Scarlet Letter.
• Explore the symbolism of the forest in the novel.
• Analyze the relationship between religion and morality in the novel.
• Discuss the theme of love in The Scarlet Letter.
• Compare and contrast the attitudes towards sin in the novel.
• Analyze the character of the town beadle and his role in the novel.
• Discuss the theme of secrecy in The Scarlet Letter.
• Explore the symbolism of the letter "A" in different contexts in the novel.
• Analyze the character of Reverend Wilson and his influence on the town.
• Discuss the theme of shame in The Scarlet Letter.
• Compare and contrast the attitudes towards women in the novel.
• Analyze the role of the prison in the novel.
• Discuss the theme of judgment in The Scarlet Letter.
• Explore the symbolism of light and darkness in the novel.
• Analyze the character of Governor Winthrop and his significance in the novel.
• Discuss the theme of passion in The Scarlet Letter.
• Compare and contrast the relationships between the characters.
• Analyze the role of the scarlet letter in Hester's identity.
• Discuss the theme of freedom in The Scarlet Letter.
• Explore the symbolism of the rosebush in the novel.
• Analyze the character of the sexton and his role in the novel.
• Discuss the theme of obedience in The Scarlet Letter.
• Compare and contrast the attitudes towards sin and forgiveness in the novel.
• Analyze the role of the market in the novel.
• Discuss the theme of destiny in The Scarlet Letter.
• Explore the symbolism of the scaffold in the novel.
• Analyze the character of Mistress Hibbins and her relationship with Hester.
• Discuss the theme of power in The Scarlet Letter.
• Compare and contrast the attitudes towards punishment in the novel.
• Analyze the role of the town crier in the novel.
• Discuss the theme of redemption in The Scarlet Letter.
• Explore the symbolism of the brook in the novel.
• Analyze the character of the Indian in the novel.
• Discuss the theme of social hierarchy in The Scarlet Letter.
• Compare and contrast the attitudes towards morality in the novel.
• Analyze the role of the prison door in the novel.
• Discuss the theme of tradition in The Scarlet Letter.
• Explore the symbolism of the scarlet letter in the context of the novel's historical setting.
• Analyze the character of Mistress Hibbins and her role in the novel's society.
• Discuss the theme of individualism in The Scarlet Letter.
• Compare and contrast the attitudes towards judgment in the novel.
• Analyze the role of the scaffold in the novel's symbolism.
• Discuss the theme of conformity in The Scarlet Letter.
• Explore the symbolism of the rosebush in the novel's opening scene.
• Analyze the character of the jailer and his significance in the novel.
• Discuss the theme of rebellion in The Scarlet Letter.
• Compare and contrast the attitudes towards passion in the novel.
• Analyze the role of the scarlet letter in the novel's narrative structure.
• Discuss the theme of truth in The Scarlet Letter.
• Explore the symbolism of the forest in the novel's plot.
• Analyze the character of the governor and his influence on the town's society.
• Discuss the theme of hypocrisy in The Scarlet Letter.
• Compare and contrast the attitudes towards secrecy in the novel.
• Analyze the role of the scaffold in the novel's climax.
• Discuss the theme of identity in The Scarlet Letter.
• Explore the symbolism of the scarlet letter in the novel's conclusion.
• Analyze the character of Mistress Hibbins and her role in the novel's resolution.
• Discuss the theme of justice in The Scarlet Letter.
• Compare and contrast the attitudes towards freedom in the novel.
• Analyze the role of the witch trials in the novel's historical context.
• Discuss the theme of sacrifice in The Scarlet Letter.
• Explore the symbolism of the rosebush in the novel's symbolism.
• Analyze the character of the governor and his role in the novel's society.
• Discuss the theme of fear in The Scarlet Letter.
• Compare and contrast the attitudes towards power in the novel.
• Analyze the role of the scaffold in the novel's themes.
• Discuss the theme of betrayal in The Scarlet Letter.
• Explore the symbolism of the forest in the novel's themes.
• Analyze the character of Mistress Hibbins and her role in the novel's themes.
• Discuss the theme of forgiveness in The Scarlet Letter.
• Compare and contrast the attitudes towards redemption in the novel.
• Analyze the role of the scarlet letter in the novel's themes.
• Explore the symbolism of the rosebush in the novel's themes.
• Analyze the character of the governor and his role in the novel's themes.
• Explore the symbolism of the scarlet letter in the novel's themes.
• Analyze the role of the prison in the novel's themes.
• Explore the symbolism of the scaffold in the novel's themes.
• Analyze the role of the market in the novel's themes.
• Analyze the role of the prison door in the novel's themes.

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“The Scarlet Letter” Essay Titles

Introduction.

Great stories are full of complex emotions and convincing characters, but examination questions will require you to demonstrate your understanding of “The Scarlet Letter” by focusing on how Hawthorne presents one key aspect or theme throughout the text. All of your thoughts and ideas should only refer to the key term of the essay title.

• The experience of Hester Prynne, as presented in “The Scarlet Letter”, has no relevance to the twenty-first century reader.
• The twenty-first century reader is always on the side of Hester Prynne.
• In “The Scarlet Letter”, Hester Prynne’s actions do not shock us to the same extent that they shocked their first readers.
• Modern readers may consider Hester Prynne’s role in “The Scarlet Letter” as a statement about the status of women in society.
• In “The Scarlet Letter”, Hawthorne is clearly on the side of Hester Prynne.
• “The Scarlet Letter” is little more than a criticism of attitudes towards women.
• “The Scarlet Letter” can be viewed as a Feminist novel.
• Hester Prynne fails to live up to the responsibilities of seventeenth-century woman in New England.
• Hester Prynne can be seen as the first great modern heroine of American Literature.
• Hester Prynne’s silent suffering in “The Scarlet Letter” is not heroic.
• In many ways, Hawthorne condones the adultery of Hester Prynne.
• Arthur Dimmesdale is the only character in the novel who can be considered a hero.
• Arthur Dimmesdale is the central character of “The Scarlet Letter”.
• In many ways, Hawthorne condones the adultery of Arthur Dimmesdale.
• Hawthorne positions the reader to sympathise with Dimmesdale’s plight.

Chillingworth

• Roger Chillingworth is the character who undergoes the most change in “The Scarlet Letter”.
• In many ways, Hawthorne presents Roger Chillingworth as the moral degenerate in “The Scarlet Letter”.
• Roger Chillingworth is the true villain of “The Scarlet Letter”.
• In “The Scarlet Letter”, Chillingworth represents true evil.
• Pearl functions as a symbol in the novel and nothing else.
• “The Scarlet Letter” presents an entirely negative view of Puritan religion in New England.
• “The Scarlet Letter” is really a novel of religious criticism and protest.
• “The Scarlet Letter” is Hawthorne’s attempt to distance himself from his Puritan ancestors.
• “The Scarlet Letter” is a criticism of religion.
• In “The Scarlet Letter”, Hawthorne presents a clash between the Puritan faith and human nature.

Genre and Style

• Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter” is little more than an allegory.
• “The Scarlet Letter” is a symbolist novel.
• Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter” is nothing more than a Romance.
• “The Scarlet Letter” can be read as a psychological novel.
• Hawthorne uses a participating narrator to shape the reader’s response.
• In many ways, the scarlet letter is one of the most distinctive characters in the novel.
• Revenge is a central theme of “The Scarlet Letter”.
• Secrets are a central theme of “The Scarlet Letter”.
• Guilt is a central theme of “The Scarlet Letter”.
• Class plays an important role in “The Scarlet Letter”.
• The American Dream is an important theme to understanding “The Scarlet Letter”.
• “The Scarlet Letter” presents the failure of the American Dream.

Clothing Imagery in “The Scarlet Letter”

The American Dream

Chillingworth’s Malevolence

The Villainous Chillingworth

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The Scarlet Letter - List of Free Essay Examples And Topic Ideas

The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, set in 17th-century Puritan Massachusetts, explores themes of guilt, sin, and redemption through the narrative of Hester Prynne, a woman punished for adultery. Essays could delve into the critical analysis of these themes, examining how they reflect and critique the societal mores and religious dogma of the time. They might also discuss the character dynamics, symbolism, and the psychological underpinnings of the narrative, exploring how the characters navigate the complex moral landscape depicted. Discussions could further extend to the broader impact and legacy of “The Scarlet Letter” within American literature and cultural discourse, and its relevance to contemporary discussions of gender, shame, and social judgment. A vast selection of complimentary essay illustrations pertaining to The Scarlet Letter you can find at Papersowl. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

What does the a in the Scarlet Letter Signify

Do people in the modern day world identify themselves with how they dress? Whether it is the way they dress or wear their hair, it is a way of showing your character to the public. For the leading protagonist, Hester, in The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, Hawthorne portrays her as someone who is judged by her town for her "identify" based on a letter "A" that she wears on her clothes. Throughout the story the symbolism of the scarlet […]

Puritanism in the Scarlet Letter

The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne was created to display how life was during the Puritanism period in the seventeenth century. This novel has representations of the Puritan culture because it shows how the characters are expected to live by the word of God, specifically, and if anyone deterred, then they would be punished severely by an unforgiving society. In the Scarlet Letter, Hawthorne used the main principles, hypocrisy in the Puritan culture, punishment, and predestination to display the Puritan […]

About Strong Female Character Hester

Hester is an strong female character. The Scarlet Letter is not a feminist novel, it is more of an commentary on the society rather than a feminist novel as a whole. Throughout the novel, Hawthorne represents many strong characters throughout the novel. Some of the characters like Chillingworth are much stronger than others such as Dimmesdale. The main protagonist in the novel is Hester Prynne. An feminist is someone who is for feminism that wants all women to have the […]

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Theme of Hypocrisy in the Scarlet Letter

The Scarlet Letter authored by Nathaniel Hawthorne is an American literature classic. It delves into a puritanical society and follows the life of Hester, a woman convicted of lechery. Her punishment is to permanently wear a token of her sin. The punishment, a scarlet "A", causes her to experience humiliation wherever she travels and is a constant reminder to herself of her sin. Whilst Hester did commit lechery, the focal sin of the book mentioned by the author is hypocrisy. […]

The Theme of Exposed Sin in the Scarlet Letter

Discuss Nathaniel Hawthorne's portrayal of the theme of exposed sin versus hidden sin in the novel as seen through the development of the main characters over the course of the story. For this essay, challenge yourself to develop a more sophisticated thesis statement that is a complex or a compound-complex sentence rather than the three-pronged format. Additionally, each body paragraph needs to contain three quotes. Be sure that the quotes DO NOT COME FROM THE SAME CHAPTER. I. Introduction - […]

An Analysis of the Scarlett Letter

In the novel The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne a recurring theme is fate versus free will. Fate is the development of events beyond a person's control, determined by a supernatural force. Free will is the ability to act at one's own discretion. In the novel, Hester Prynne is sentenced to a lifetime of judgement by wearing an A on her chest, which symbolizes adultery, one of the biggest sins in a functioning Puritan Society. From the beginning of the […]

Symbols in the Scarlet Letter

Hawthorne presents numerous of symbols throughout The Scarlet Letter. He uses them to show the purpose of the "A" and ways it develop its significance over time. These symbols have a pessimistic and affirmative impact on a few of the characters in the novel including Hester Prynne, Pearl, and Dimmesdale. All of these characters either represent or connect to the meaning of the sin. Hawthorne causes each of the individuals have a different effect on ways society acknowledges their sin. […]

Religion in the Scarlet Letter

Everyone has sinned at some point in their lives and it has ruined relationships. Sinning however can be redeemable but it takes hard work and dedication in order to achieve that goal. In the novel, The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne we follow Hester Prynne our female protagonist and her journey along the aftermath of sin and the change it brings in each character along the way. In seventeenth century Boston, the protagonist Hester Prynne does a horrible thing and […]

The Scarlett Letter Report

Sin. Everyone does it, and everyone gets punished for it in some way. Weather it be a slap on the wrist or forcing one to sew a scarlet letter onto the bosom of their clothes. But it is how you take the punishment that will define you. Hester Prynne took her punishment and wore it with golden embroidery. Even though Hester Prynne is forced to face the torment from the townspeople and from her vengeful husband, she shows women everywhere […]

Examples of Revenge in the Scarlet Letter

Often times we hear "What's good for the goose is what's good for gander," in other words, if one person committed a crime they should both be punished the same. In The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, he explores the sin of Hester Prynne and Author Dimmesdale. He reveals these two characters to show that staying hidden and suffering in silence is worse than being publicly humiliated. Although Hester has committed a serious crime (adultery), she wears her scarlet letter […]

Various Writing Techniques in the Scarlet Letter

Throughout the novel, The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne writes from the viewpoint of a third person narrator. This narrator focuses is seen to have many opinions and shows an admiration toward Hester Prynne and women in general. Hawthorne's use of certain language makes it evident that he shows a lot of admiration towards Hester and believes women are capable beings that deserve treated with value and respect. The language that Hawthorne uses to describe Hester Prynne is much different than […]

Settings of Scarlet Letter

The scarlet letter begins with a lengthy introduction how the book was written. The narrator was the surveyor of the customhouse located in Salem, Massachusetts. He found a variety of documents in the attic. One of them was a manuscript stuck together with a gold-embroidered scarlet patch of cloth shaped like a letter "A". The manuscript was written by a surveyor prior to him. It included some happenings that occurred about two hundred years before the narrator's time. He concluded […]

Analysis of Hidden Sin in the Scarlet Letter

"The human body is the best picture of the human soul"(Ludwig Wittgenstein). This concept by Wittgenstein is best reflected in the Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne. The Scarlet Letter is set in the 17 century in a British colony, with Hawthorne telling the reader how hidden sin affects the human body and soul in three different characters: Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale, Doctor Chillingworth, and Hester Prynne. One of the first ways Hawthorne explores the effect on hidden sin is Dimmesdale keeping […]

Comparing the Great Gatsby and the Scarlet Letter

In choosing to compare and contrast the works The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald and The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, both novels feature characters who have hidden secrets which are revealed, but the societies surrounding them are in stark contrast to one another. The novel The Scarlet Letter is set in a Boston Puritan society, during the seventeenth century, with components of scandal and disguise. Meanwhile The Great Gatsby also features scandalous accounts, but set in a contrasting […]

Symbolism in the Scarlet Letter

The Puritans were a group of people, who had very strong religious beliefs, judged everyone harshly and played a prominent role in the 17th century set book, The Scarlet Letter. There are a lot of different factors in the book that play a big role, sin plays a big role in developing the whole story and there are many important pieces of symbolism in the book. In chapter 23 of Nathaniel Hawthorne's best work, The Scarlet Letter, there are numerous […]

The Scarlet Letter Reading Assignment

I agree with the assertion that Hester Prynne is a feminist, whether Hawthorne intended for her to be or not. In the beginning of the novel, when Hester is forced to stand on the scaffold to face public humiliation, many demand her to reveal the identity of the child's father. Instead, Hester refuses to answer stating "'I will not speak!' answered Hester, turning pale as death, but responding to this voice," (Hawthorne, 58). She stands her ground and denies the […]

Exploring Metaphors in “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God”

A Dive into the Art of Fear by Edwards and Hawthorne The authors Jonathan Edwards and Nathaniel Hawthorne both use their writing to look into why people are afraid of something unpredictable. Edwards caused people to have a lot of fear because he was telling them that their actions would result in where they would spend their afterlife. Hawthorne, however, uses emblems and speaks about the emotions that the characters are going through. Edwards and Hawthorne both state their purposes […]

Analysis of the Scarlet Letter

The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, takes place in Boston, a puritan society. Hester Prynne, a young woman, arrived in Boston from overseas awaiting the arrival of her husband. While waiting she has an affair. Hester is sent to jail and once she serves her sentence, she is sent out with her child, Pearl, and a scarlet 'A' on her chest. The town wants to know who her secret lover is, but Hester will not tell. She will not tell […]

How is Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Novel the Scarlet Letter an Example of Romanticism?

The Scarlet Letter begins with an introduction explaining how the book came to be. The introduction is narrated by the surveyor of the customhouse. While in the customhouse attic he found documents, and one of the documents was wrapped with a gold patch in the shape of an "A." This document discussed specific events that happened many years prior to when the narrator was even alive. Once he lost his job at the customhouse he decided to write about the […]

Nathaniel Hawthorne and the Scarlet Letter

Nathaniel Hawthorne was an American novelist known for his twisted romance novels. Hawthorne was born in Salem, Massachusetts in 1804. Hawthorn lost his father at a young age which left his mother a little distant. He attended courses at Bowdoin College which inspired him to read, and had exposed him to classic literature. Hawthorne took interest in the romantic movement occurring at the time, more specifically the dark romance genre that was popular at the time. He used the popular […]

Hester and Symbols in the Scarlet Letter

“The Scarlet Letter” is not so much a consideration of Hester Prynne’s intuitive character as it is an exploration of the strength that shapes her, and the transformations of those strengths effect. Hester is a self-sufficient single mother in one of the bleak most forbidding moments in America's history. Hester finds a way to support her daughter in a time when women were only presumed to support their husbands. She uses her inherent strength to mold into the meaning of […]

The Scarlett Letter’ Book about a Woman

Nathaniel Hawthorn's 'The Scarlett Letter' is a book about a woman who committed adultery with another man and had a child named Pearl. She is the main character in this story. She is first described after she gets released from prison as a young woman 'marked with natural dignity and force of character' (Hawthorn 80). She is described to be dignified woman, beautiful but strong. She is dressed in a scarlet letter "A" on her chest made from fine red […]

Main Characters in the Scarlet Letter

In the book "The Scarlet Letter," the two main characters Hester and Dimmesdale had their differences but they were alike in many ways. Throughout the book, they changed and came across obstacles and contradicted on decisions. Hester and Dimmesdale were a major part in the book as they both carried the guilt of sin. They had a complicated relationship and caused troubles for each other. Their guilt affected their lives, the way they lived, and caused punishment. This guilt dragged […]

An Book the Scarlet Letter

The Scarlet Letter has been captivating readers since it was first published in 1850 by author Nathaniel Hawthorne. This historical fiction, romance, yet sinful book is about a woman named Hester Prynne who was sent to Boston by her husband, had committed adultery while waiting for her husband to arrive to Boston. She gives birth to a daughter named Pearl and they move to a small cottage near the edge of Boston where they are both shunned by the whole […]

The Scaffold in the Scarlet Letter

In addition to being a symbol of sin, the scaffold represents shame and guilt. When Hester is seen on the scaffold in the opening chapters, she hides the scarlet letter "A" because the letter is viewed as a symbol of shame and guilt: "When the young women - the mother of this child - stood fully revealed before the crowd, it seemed to be her first impulse to clasp the infant closely to her bosom: not so much by an […]

Irony in the Scarlet Letter: Unmasking Hypocrisy and Destruction

Introduction The work of fiction, The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, shows the combination of a violently utopian society throughout the novel to establish the corruption of the Puritan lifestyle located in Boston. The author illustrates how the community overpowers individuals due to their lack of ability to stand within the Puritan religion. In an ironic and skeptical tone, Hawthorne addresses a universal audience to take notice of societal judgments and how keeping one's wrongdoing a secret and away from […]

The Enduring Legacy of “The Scarlet Letter” on Screen

The tale of "The Scarlet Letter," originating from Nathaniel Hawthorne's classic novel, has been brought to life on screen multiple times, each adaptation offering a unique lens through which to view this rich narrative. The story, set in a 17th-century Puritan community, delves deep into themes of sin, guilt, and redemption, all centered around Hester Prynne, a woman ostracized for bearing an illegitimate child. While the novel’s profound psychological insights and complex moral dilemmas resonate through the pages, the film […]

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How To Write an Essay About The Scarlet Letter

Understanding 'the scarlet letter'.

Before you begin writing an essay about 'The Scarlet Letter,' it's crucial to have a thorough understanding of Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel. Set in 17th century Puritan Massachusetts, the story explores themes of sin, guilt, and redemption through the experiences of Hester Prynne, who is punished for adultery. Start by familiarizing yourself with the plot, characters, and the Puritan setting, which heavily influences the story. Grasp the historical and cultural context of the time, as this will provide essential background for your analysis. Understanding Hawthorne’s use of symbolism, especially the scarlet letter 'A' and its various interpretations, is also key.

Developing a Clear Thesis

Your essay should revolve around a clear, concise thesis statement. This could be an argument about the novel's central themes, its commentary on society and morality, or the character analysis of Hester Prynne, Arthur Dimmesdale, or Roger Chillingworth. Your thesis should guide the focus of your essay and present a unique angle or perspective on the novel.

Gathering Textual Evidence

To support your thesis, gather evidence from the text. This involves closely reading the novel to find relevant quotes, descriptions, and actions of characters that align with your thesis. For instance, if you're discussing the theme of sin and redemption, identify instances in the text that explore these themes. Use these examples to build your argument and give depth to your analysis.

Analyzing Hawthorne's Techniques

Analyze how Hawthorne uses literary techniques to enhance the novel's themes and characters. Consider his use of symbolism, imagery, and irony, as well as his narrative style. For example, explore how the setting of the Puritan community contributes to the novel’s themes, or how Hawthorne’s use of symbolism adds layers of meaning to the story. Your analysis should deepen the reader’s understanding of the novel and provide insight into Hawthorne’s writing.

Concluding Your Essay

Conclude your essay by summarizing your main points and restating your thesis in light of the analysis. Your conclusion should bring together your insights into 'The Scarlet Letter,' emphasizing the significance of your findings. Reflect on the broader implications of the novel, such as its relevance in modern society or its place in American literary history.

Reviewing and Refining Your Essay

After completing your essay, review and edit it for clarity and coherence. Ensure that your arguments are well-structured and your evidence is clearly presented. Check for grammatical accuracy and ensure that your essay flows logically. Consider seeking feedback from peers or instructors to further refine your essay. A well-written essay on 'The Scarlet Letter' will not only demonstrate your understanding of the novel but also your ability to critically engage with literary texts.

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The Scarlet Letter

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Introduction

Chapters 1-4

Chapters 5-8

Chapters 9-12

Chapters 13-16

Chapters 17-20

Chapters 21-24

Character Analysis

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Discussion Questions

One of the defining characteristics of Romantic literature is an appreciation of nature’s beauty and an association of the natural world with inspiration, authenticity, and freedom. How does The Scarlet Letter reflect these broader Romantic trends?

Although the novel takes place prior to the Salem witch trials, Hawthorne references the trials in the Introduction with the assumption that readers are already familiar with them. How does knowledge of these trials color the novel’s meaning?

Compare and contrast the scene of Hester’s punishment on the scaffold with Dimmesdale’s confession and death. What do these similarities and differences reveal about the novel’s characters or themes?

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The Scarlet Letter: Essay Questions, Topics, & Prompts

Welcome to our article about The Scarlet Letter . This novel is a masterwork of Nathaniel Hawthorne and one of the most significant works of American literature. It was also the first novel that made an impact this big in Europe.

Here you’ll find everything you need to write The Scarlet Letter essay:

• Basic info about the novel
• Essay ideas and tips
• 40 The Scarlet Letter essay questions for your assignment.

Let’s get started!

• ️🗝️ Key Facts about the Novel
• 📝 Essay Prompts & Ideas
• 💡 40 Essay Questions

🗝️ The Scarlet Letter: Key Facts

Nathaniel Hawthorne was born in 1804 in Salem, Massachusetts. He was one of the first and most recognized American writers. Hawthorne made a huge impact on fiction and is also well-known for his use of allegory and symbolism.

The Scarlet Letter setting is Boston in the 1600s, which was the Puritan Bay Colony of Massachusetts . Puritan ideas supported strict religious beliefs. During that time, adultery was considered not only a sin but crime. So, those who failed at keeping up with the religious traditions were considered outcasts.

The Scarlet Letter: Short Summary

The Scarlet Letter tells a story about a woman named Hester. While her husband was away, Hester had an affair and had a baby with another man. The people from their town made her wear a scarlet letter A, which stands for Adulteress, on her clothes for the rest of her life as a punishment for her sin.

Here’s a summary of the main events of The Scarlet Letter :

1. Hester committed adultery with a priest Dimmesdale because her husband was away, and she thought he might have been already dead. 2. She gave birth to a child and named her Pearl. 3. Her husband Chillingworth arrived and decided to hide his identity. 4. Chillingworth was driven by revenge and tried to make Dimmesdale confess his sin by manipulating him. 5. Dimmesdale couldn’t bear his guilt and died after his confession. 6. Chillingworth died as he no longer had a reason to live. 7. Hester left Boston with Pearl and then came back again after many years. 8. Hester continued living in her old house and wearing the scarlet letter for the rest of her life.

📝 The Scarlet Letter: Essay Prompts & Ideas

If you are about to write The Scarlet Letter theme essay, here are some prompts for you!

The Scarlet Letter: Literary Analysis Essay

A literary analysis is a type of academic writing aimed at interpreting a piece of literature. An analytical essay about a literary work is also a kind of an argumentative essay. So, you should not summarize the work or conduct a rhetorical analysis.

To conduct a literary analysis, you need to:

• Study the text;
• Break down its themes;
• Figure out the reason behind the author’s choices.

To write The Scarlet Letter literary analysis essay, make sure to analyze the language used, the author’s perspective, text structure, and literary devices.

The Scarlet Letter Literary Devices

Writers use literary devices to express ideas and meanings in their works.

The Scarlet Letter literary devices include:

• Metaphors ;

You can analyze them separately but also altogether. If you are about to write about the literary devices in The Scarlet Letter essay, you can analyze how the author used them to express the religious idea in the novel.

Literary devices analysis might be too broad to analyze in an essay paragraph. However, it is a good topic for discussion in a research paper or term paper .

Irony in The Scarlet Letter

There are three kinds of irony:

• situational,

The author expresses dramatic irony in The Scarlet Letter through Chillingworth and Dimmesdale. Chillingworth is driven by his revenge and desire to find a man who had an affair with his wife. It turned out that Dimmesdale, who he lived with, was the one.

Situational irony describes unexpected events. For example, when Dimmesdale decided to go on a scaffold to confess his sin. He believed that his confession could set him free and let him be together with Hester and Pearl. However, something unexpected happened. He died after his confession.

Verbal irony is when someone’s words do not match the real meaning behind them. The example is when Dimmesdale asked Hester to reveal who is Pearl’s father in front of everyone because he didn’t have the courage to do so.

Metaphors in The Scarlet Letter

A metaphor is a figure of speech where a word or expression is used to convey some meaning by comparison to something else.

For example, the expression “a black sheep” means a person who is disgracing a family.

Nathaniel Hawthorne used metaphors in The Scarlet Letter to convey his idea about sin, guilt, and purity. For example, in chapter 16, Hawthorne used the metaphor “a Black Man” to express Hester’s sin.

Allusions in The Scarlet Letter

An allusion is a reference to a thing, event, person, etc. It can be both direct and indirect.

Nathaniel Hawthrone used Biblical and historical allusions in The Scarlet Letter . One of the historical allusions refers to Anne Hutchinson , who was mentioned in the first chapter. She was an actual historical figure -a Puritan spiritual leader born in 1591.

One of the Biblical allusions is Pearl, who Nathaniel Hawthorne named after the pearl of great price in the Bible.

The Scarlet Letter Symbolism Essay

Symbolism in literature is a figure of speech to represent an idea through different things.

If you are about to write The Scarlet Letter symbolism essay, here are some of the main symbols in the novel.

• The scarlet letter symbolism . The scarlet letter that Hester had to wear was supposed to symbolize her sin. However, the author refers to it as a “mystic symbol.”
• Red and black symbolism . Hawthorne uses color symbolism too. Red symbolizes passion, while black – sin.
• Pearl symbolism . Hester’s daughter Pearl also served as a symbol in the novel. In the 19 th chapter, the author referred to Pearl as “living hieroglyphic.”

The Scarlet Letter Theme Essay

Themes in literature can be either something that the reader thinks of while reading or the idea conveyed through the literature piece.

The Scarlet Letter has several essential themes:

• Conformity and Individuality . The town tried to make Hester conform to the religious beliefs. However, Hester remained loyal to her individuality.
• Sin . Since the story takes place in a Puritan community, it has a lot to do with the sin theme. The novel is centered around Hester’s sin and its consequences.
• Puritanism . Puritanism is shown as a very narrow-minded and unforgiving culture. Religion plays an essential role in their community, so all their actions are driven by it.

Essay on The Scarlet Letter Setting

Setting can also be The Scarlet Letter essay topic. The Scarlet Letter takes place in the Puritan community in Boston of the 1600s . This setting plays a crucial role in understanding the theme and idea in the novel.

Puritans left England and moved to Plymouth because of their different beliefs. They wanted to organize a community where they could follow their strict religious rules.

Nathaniel Hawthorne describes the setting in a detailed way to show the conflict between nature and society.

Forest as a setting can also be a discussion of The Scarlet Letter essay questions.

Essay on the Conflict in The Scarlet Letter

Conflict in literature is used as another literary device to show a conflict between two opposite believes.

The main conflict in The Scarlet Letter is between Hester and society . The townspeople accused her of her sin and made her an outsider. However, it didn’t break her. Instead, she remained strong and decided to wear the scarlet letter even after returning to the town after many years.

Another conflict is an inner conflict that Dimmesdale had. He suffered from shame, but at the same time, he was too afraid to open up about it.

💡 40 The Scarlet Letter Essay Questions

Here’s our list of 40 The Scarlet Letter Essay Topics. Find something that you would be interested in writing about. And if there is nothing suitable for you in the list, try using our topic generator for more ideas.

• How is the conflict of man vs. society depicted in The Scarlet Letter?
• What are the literary devices used in The Scarlet Letter?
• How does the author use irony in the Scarlet Letter?
• How does the introduction of The Scarlet Letter help us understand the historical background?
• What are the metaphors in The Scarlet Letter?
• What are the allusions in The Scarlet Letter?
• What do colors symbolize in The Scarlet Letter?
• What does scarlet letter symbolize?
• What role does religion play in The Scarlet Letter?
• What are the themes in The Scarlet Letter?
• How does setting impact the themes in The Scarlet Letter?
• What are the main conflicts in The Scarlet Letter?
• How does the author use dramatic irony in The Scarlet Letter?
• What is situational irony in The Scarlet Letter?
• What is the metaphorical meaning behind “a Black Man” in The Scarlet Letter?
• How is the verbal irony depicted in The Scarlet Letter?
• In what ways does Hester confront society?
• What is the Biblical allusion in The Scarlet Letter?
• What are the historical allusions in The Scarlet Letter?
• How is conformity depicted in The Scarlet Letter?
• What does Pearl symbolize in The Scarlet Letter?
• What role does personality play in The Scarlet Letter?
• How does the author represent the sin theme in The Scarlet Letter?
• How does the author portray the Puritanism theme in The Scarlet Letter?
• How does the author depict Dimmesdale’s inner conflict?
• Why does the author is so detailed about the settings in The Scarlet Letter?
• How does the author show the conflict between a man and nature in The Scarlet Letter?
• What is the role of Native Americans in The Scarlet Letter?
• What is the difference between Hester’s attitude towards society and society’s attitude towards her?
• What are the symbols that the author uses in The Scarlet Letter?
• How does Dimmesdale punish himself?
• What are the similarities between Dimmesdale and Chillingworth?
• Why did Chillingworth forgive Hester in The Scarlet Letter?
• How does the author portray Chillingworth’s obsession with revenge?
• In what ways is The Scarlet Letter a feminist novel?
• Why did Chillingworth decide to hide his identity?
• Why did the author incorporate a hundred-year-old manuscript in The Scarlet Letter?
• How is American History connected to The Scarlet Letter?
• Why is Pearl both a blessing and a curse to Hester?
• What is the difference in punishments for men and women in the Puritan community?
• What are Chillingworth’s ideas of revenge?

Do you have any other ideas for The Scarlet Letter essay title? What questions and answers would you discuss in your thesis? Let us know what you think about our The Scarlet Letter essay prompts in the comments below!

❓ The Scarlet Letter Essay: FAQ

Where does the scarlet letter take place.

The Scarlet Letter takes place in the Puritan Bay Colony of Massachusetts in Boston of the 1600s. Puritans supported extreme religious beliefs and social morals. It led to many punishments for the ones who failed to follow the Puritan ideas.

How many chapters are in The Scarlet Letter?

The Scarlet Letter has 24 chapters.

What does The Scarlet Letter symbolize?

The Scarlet Letter symbolizes a stigma that lets everyone know Hester’s sin. Although it was supposed to be a sign of shame, it became an identification of Hester’s power instead. She was not ashamed of it and even proceeded to wear the scarlet letter after coming back to the town after many years.

When was The Scarlet Letter published?

The Scarlet Letter was published in 1850 by Nathaniel Hawthorne.

🔗 References

• The Scarlet Letter – Project Gutenberg
• The Scarlet Letter: Study Guide | SparkNotes
• The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne – Goodreads
• The Scarlet Letter | Summary, Analysis, Characters, & Facts
• ‘The Scarlet Letter’ by Nathaniel Hawthorne, Reviewed
• Nathaniel Hawthorne – Books, Quotes & Scarlet Letter

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The Scarlet Letter

Nathaniel hawthorne.

Welcome to the LitCharts study guide on Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter . Created by the original team behind SparkNotes, LitCharts are the world's best literature guides.

The Scarlet Letter: Introduction

The scarlet letter: plot summary, the scarlet letter: detailed summary & analysis, the scarlet letter: themes, the scarlet letter: quotes, the scarlet letter: characters, the scarlet letter: symbols, the scarlet letter: literary devices, the scarlet letter: quizzes, the scarlet letter: theme wheel, brief biography of nathaniel hawthorne.

Historical Context of The Scarlet Letter

Other books related to the scarlet letter.

• Full Title: The Scarlet Letter
• When Written: 1848-1850
• Where Written: Salem, Massachusetts
• When Published: 1850
• Literary Period: Transcendentalism
• Genre: Novel
• Setting: Boston, Massachusetts in the 1640s
• Climax: Dimmesdale's confession and death
• Antagonist: Roger Chillingworth; the Puritans
• Point of View: Third person omniscient

Extra Credit for The Scarlet Letter

Hawthorne and the Salem Witch Trials: Nathaniel Hawthorne was a direct descendent of John Hathorne, (1641-1717), a Puritan justice of the peace. Justice Hathorne is best known for his role as the lead judge in the Salem Witch Trials, in which he sentenced numerous innocent people to death for allegedly practicing witchcraft. Nathaniel added a "w" to his name to distance himself from his infamous ancestor.

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