The Scarlet Letter2

A detailed Summary of The Scarlet Letter2

The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, delivers a powerful novel invoked

with symbolism. Centered on Hester, a woman branded with a scarlet "A" as a mark

for adultery, much of the Scarlet Letter's symbolism grows from the cruel, and shameful

letter. The "A" symbolizes the "walking emblem of shame." (Hawthorne 6). Throughout

the novel, the brand of disgust evolves around the characters influenced by Hester,

including her illegitimate child Pearl. Even Pearl is subject to the shame her mother has

bore, and is also shunned from the strict Puritan society. The close of the novel reveals

that the symbol has given Hester strength to redeem her sin, rather then brake her spirits.

The adulterous mark is almost replaced by the community as "able" due to Hester's deeds

Hester must endure, with her scarlet brand. Chillington is dressed in black, which gives an

Scarlet Letter also uses nature's flowers as a way to symbolize growth in the

dressed in a red gown, with gold trim. The dress of Pearl is almost identical to the brand

like red, and gold expresses how different Hester and Pearl are viewed by the Puritan

Approximate Word count = 536
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Novels

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