The Scarlet Letter and The Red Badge of Courage

The Scarlet Letter

• The novel is set in the 17th century in a Puritan community in Boston, Massachusetts.
• The protagonist is Hester Prynne, a strong-willed and independent woman who has committed adultery.
• Themes explored in the novel include sin, guilt, and redemption, as well as the tension between individual freedom and societal expectations.

The Red Badge of Courage

• The historical context of the novel is the American Civil War, specifically the Battle of Chancellorsville in 1863.
• The author of the novel is Stephen Crane.
• The main theme explored in the novel is the psychological and emotional journey of a young soldier, Henry Fleming, as he experiences the horrors of war.
• The focus of the novel is on the inner struggle of the protagonist as he grapples with fear, courage, and the meaning of war.
• The significance of the American Revolution in relation to the novel is that it sets the stage for the exploration of American identity and the ideals of courage and patriotism.

Test your knowledge of American literary history with this quiz on Nathaniel Hawthorne's 'The Scarlet Letter' and Stephen Crane's 'The Red Badge of Courage.' Explore the cultural and political context of the United States, from Puritanism to the Civil War, and discover the themes and issues that define these iconic works of literature. Challenge yourself with questions on characters, settings, symbolism, and more!