Nathaniel Hawthorne was born in Salem, Massachusetts in 1804 and died in 1864. He was an American novelist, dark romantic, and short story writer. Much of Hawthorne's writing centers on New England, many works featuring moral metaphors with an anti-Puritan inspiration. His fiction works are considered part of the Romantic Movement and, more specifically, Dark Romanticism. His themes often center on the inherent evil and sin of humanity, and his works often have moral messages and deep psychological complexity. His published works include novels, short stories, and a biography of his college friend Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the United States. His most famous work is The Scarlet Letter.
The scarlet Letter is set in 17th-century Puritan Massachusetts Bay Colony, during the years 1642 to 1649. It tells the story of Hester Prynne, who conceives a daughter through an affair and struggles to create a new life of regret and dignity. As she struggles to raise her boisterous daughter, Pearl, on her own, the father of her child is revealed and is shown to be experiencing severe guilt. Despite the scorn and judgment of the citizens and of Roger Chillingworth, Hester's husband, the two decide to remain together. Throughout the book, Hawthorne explores themes of legalism, sin, and guilt.
The answer to this question is:
They portray a former setting with humility and dignity.
the words: "<em>with a poverty-stricken aspect, but retaining a half-obliterated </em><u><em>shield of arms over the portal, in token of antique gentility."</em></u>
convey such a meaning for the passage.
