Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel, The Scarlet Letter, is set in 17th-century Boston, Massachusetts. The specific timeframe is generally understood to be between 1642 and 1649, placing it within the early years of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. This historical setting is vital to understanding the social and religious constraints under which the characters operate.
The era is significant because it represents a period of strict Puritan governance and intense moral scrutiny. The community placed a strong emphasis on religious law and public shaming, which heavily influenced the events and consequences faced by Hester Prynne. The historical backdrop provides a lens through which the reader can interpret the themes of sin, guilt, and redemption within the narrative.
