What’s Up With the Title?

Back in the day (colonial times, that is), law and religion were inseparable, like peanut butter and jelly. When a woman cheated on her husband, she had to be punished by law. Even if her husband had been lost for two years and she didn’t think she’d ever see him again. Our heroine Hester Prynne cheats on her husband, her penalty is to wear a big red "A" on her clothing for the world to see.

Three guesses as to what the "A" stands for? Apples, alphabet, or (you guessed it) ADULTERY. When we begin The Scarlet Letter, Hester is carrying out her sentence by displaying her scarlet "A" for the community’s enjoyment. One onlooker says that the "A" should have been burned onto Hester’s forehead. This single letter, this leader of the alphabet, serves the purpose of forever separating Hester from the society in which she lives, from the non-adulterers.

However, this A is not only a symbol of Hester’s adultery. Throughout the novel, we see it burn, glow, and change meaning, as though taking on a life of its own. Hester sews it herself, and though it is meant to speak of her sins, it is so beautifully made that the townspeople notice its artistry and craftsmanship before they remember what it means.

The scarlet letter is almost like a character in and of itself, constantly haunting Hester and reminding her of her past. However, through sheer determination, Hester is able to change the meaning of the letter and to earn the respect of those around her.

Shmoop would like to know why the title is called The Scarlet Letter and not The Scarlet A. Can you work on that for us? Much appreciated.