format. Symbolism exists everywhere throughout life and describes different aspects of a

person. Symbolism is most evident in literature through novels and other forms of

fiction. Most anything in a novel can have some sort of symbol representing it.

Characters most often in a novel are symbols of a divine ideas. In the novel The Scarlet

Letter symbolism is most revealed through the four main characters. The author,

Nathaniel Hawthorne, fills the book with symbolism but focuses most of it on the

characters. In the novel The Scarlet Letter , Nathaniel Hawthorne displays symbolism

through Hester Prynne, Pearl Prynne, Arthur Dimmesdale, and Roger Chillingworth.

Hester Prynne is the main character in the novel and she exhibits many aspects of

symbolism. The first mark of symbolism is revealed in her scarlet letter. The letter

symbolizes many aspects of her character. The first way the letter represents her is

through adultery. She commits adultery and the "A" represents her crime. She must wear

this letter of shame for her punishment. This is just one meaning for the scarlet letter. It

also symbolizes her ability to overcome her sins and move

In the novel The Scarlet Letter , Nathaniel Hawthorne displays symbolism

recreancy. He is a recreant because throughout the whole novel he lives inside his wrong

and more away from society. He only has one evil intent and that is the revenge on Hester

novel. His evil is a different evil from Pearl's. He is out to hurt people emotionally. He

in the town said her letter meant "Able" because of her strengths as a woman (Hawthorne

partner in crime, also symbolizes many things in the novel

that she is a sinful child. Pearl does not realize that she is a child of sin because she does

symbolizes punishment throughout the entire novel. Hester Prynne is the main character

throughout the whole novel and justifies her position in society. Hester's final symbol of

Pearl Prynne is the daughter of Hester and Arthur Dimmesdale. She is an

Roger Chillingworth is the husband of Hester and the antagonist of the novel. He

into a beautiful yet sinful and evil child. This basically associates her with the devil and

Dimmesdale suffer by his sin and that is why he lives with him. "A mortal man, with

Sunday in church and this shows his poltroonery. Hester, Arthur, and Roger are the only

148). This yet shows another important example of symbolism through Hester and her

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Approximate Word count = 1580
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)