American Literature CLEP Prep Practice Exam 2025 – All-in-One Study Guide for Exam Success

The correct answer is "The Scarlet Letter" because this novel was authored by Nathaniel Hawthorne, an influential American writer of the 19th century. Hawthorne's work is known for its exploration of complex moral themes and the dark aspects of human nature, often set against the backdrop of Puritan New England.

In contrast, Emily Dickinson is celebrated for her unique poetry, which often delves into themes of mortality, immortality, and the inner workings of the human mind. "Hope is the Thing with Feathers" is one of her most famous poems, illustrating her distinctive style and thematic preoccupations.

"The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," authored by Mark Twain, is another important piece of American literature that critiques society and explores themes of race and morality through the eyes of a young boy. Similarly, "The Great Gatsby," by F. Scott Fitzgerald, focuses on themes of ambition, wealth, and the American Dream, situated in the Jazz Age. Neither of these works can be attributed to Dickinson, making "The Scarlet Letter" the correct choice for this question.