This book is Hawthorne's classic treatise on morality, judgment, and exile in Puritan America. This book includes: a concise introduction that gives readers important background information; a chronology of the author's life and work; a timeline of significant events that provides the book's historical context; an outline of key themes and plot points to help readers form their own interpretations; detailed explanatory notes; critical analysis, including contemporary and modern perspectives on the work; discussion questions to promote lively classroom and book group interaction; a list of recommended related books and films to broaden the reader's experience.