Which literary work best represents the Puritan style of writing?

English · High School · Tue Nov 03 2020

Answered on

"The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne is often considered one of the literary works that best represents the Puritan style of writing. While Nathaniel Hawthorne was not a Puritan himself, he descended from Puritan ancestors, and his works often explore the themes and conflicts associated with Puritanism.


"The Scarlet Letter," published in 1850, is set in 17th-century Puritan Massachusetts and explores the consequences of sin and guilt within a strict religious and social context. The novel reflects Puritan beliefs and practices, including the emphasis on morality, the harsh judgment of sin, and the idea of the "elect" and the "damned."


The Puritan style of writing is characterized by its moralistic tone, religious themes, allegorical elements, and an emphasis on the consequences of human actions. While "The Scarlet Letter" is not a Puritan work in the historical sense, it engages with and critiques Puritan ideas, making it a significant representation of the Puritan style in American literature.

Related Questions