Background
The years in which Nathaniel Hawthorne lived and wrote were turbulent ones for the young nation. The country did share a cultural harmony based on strong community values linking hard work and virtue to success. In addition, the majority of citizens shared the idea that the United States, under divine guidance, was destined for greatness. Among the negatives, however, was the sense that some of the original values of the Revolution were being lost. Political reform movements sprang up....
Source: MAXnotes to The Scarlet Letter, ©2000 Research and Education Association, Inc.. All Rights Reserved. Full copyright.
(The entire page is 1307 words.)
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