The document provides a summary of Nathaniel Hawthorne's 1850 novel The Scarlet Letter. It describes the plot, which involves Hester Prynne who is forced to wear the letter "A" after giving birth to a child from an adulterous affair. The summary also introduces the main characters of Hester and Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale, and discusses the novel's themes of sin and conflicts with society. It analyzes the purpose of assigning the novel, noting that it explores complex human motives and remains relevant despite being written over 150 years ago.