The Real Scarlet Letter

In this episode, we examine the story of Sarah Cornell, a young Methodist textile worker who was the inspiration for Hester Prynne in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter. The difference, of course, is that Hester Prynne wasn’t murdered. And she certainly didn’t kill herself. • Follow Diversion Audio on Instagram  • Explore more: diversionaudio.com  This series is hosted by Mary Kay McBrayer. Check out more of her work at www.marykaymcbrayer.com. This episode was written by Mary Kay McBrayer Developed by Scott Waxman, Emma DeMuth, and Jacob Bronstein Associate Producer is Leo Culp Produced by Antonio Enriquez Theme Music by Tyler Cash Executive Produced by Scott Waxman and Emma DeMuth Special thanks to: Carter, Stephen L.. Invisible. Henry Holt and Co.. Kindle Edition.  Order Mary Kay's true crime book 'Madame Queen: The The Life and Crimes of Harlem’s Underground Racketeer, Stephanie St. Clair' here Check out Kate Winkler Dawson's book The Sinners All Bow at Penguin Random House See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.