Symbolism in The Scarlet Letter

A detailed Summary of Symbolism in The Scarlet Letter


Nathaniel Hawthorne, the author of The Scarlet Letter, presents to his readers a novel in

which there are obstacles to overcome by the main characters. His array of symbolism

throughout the novel makes the story seem related to modren times.

In the first chapter, Hawthorne introduces the readers to symbolism beginning with the

prisonhouse and the rosebush. The chapter begins introducing the prison door as "rustic" and an

"ugly edifice." The old prison door is suppose to represent a threshold that seperates the

criminals from the people of the community.-participial Hawthorne makes the readers believe that

the door is somehow connected with the burial ground. The prison is symbolic of moral evil

which would be sin and the cemetery is a symbol of n


Hester's affair with Dimmsdale. But, compared to Pearl, the letter is meaningless. The sixth

would have never been found guilty of adultery, and thus never would have had to wear that

becomes a powerful symbol of identity to Hester. The letter functions as a physical reminder of



Some common words found in the essay are:
Scarlet Letter, Prynne Hester, Revrend Dimmsdale, scarlet letter, Market Hawthorne, Pearl Hester, introduces readers, Nathaniel Hawthorne, finally scaffold, hawthorne introduces readers, main characters, government pearl, throughout novel, symbolism throughout, hawthorne introduces, chapter entitled, prison door,

Approximate Word count = 551
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)

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