American Literature CLEP Prep Practice Exam

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What theme does Nathaniel Hawthorne explore in his novel The Scarlet Letter?

  1. Greed

  2. Guilt

  3. Freedom

  4. Love

The correct answer is: Guilt

Nathaniel Hawthorne explores the theme of guilt in his novel The Scarlet Letter. This can be seen through the character of Hester Prynne, who feels intense guilt and shame after committing adultery and continues to feel this guilt even after being publicly humiliated and punished for her sin. The theme of guilt is also explored through the character of Arthur Dimmesdale, who carries the burden of his secret sin and feels immense guilt and self-punishment. While the other options of greed, freedom, and love may be explored in the novel to some extent, they are not the central theme and do not receive the same level of focus and exploration as the theme of guilt.

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