The Scarlet Letter book , applied to history

In many cases, I am able to contrast the Scarlet Letter to what we have learned thus far in AP US History. The idea of controlling the destiny of the individual was very real in the Puritanical colonies.  I like the way the book even makes reference to Anne Hutchinson who was a phenomenal woman who preached that it was not by works that one goes to heaven, but by grace. She courageously stated that she had seen The Lord directly, and not through the bible. This is what I think the book's plot is built around: nonconformity...finding yourself and God in the midst of  metaphorical "zombies" and nay Sayers.