The Scarlet Letter Symbolism

A detailed Summary of The Scarlet Letter Symbolism


Nathaniel Hawthorne is very good at using symbolism in the book the scarlet letter. The dictionary states that "symbolism is something that is or something else."

This paper will explain what the symbols the A, Pearl, and the Scaffold in the scarlet letter mean.

Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter includes many profound and important symbols. This device of symbolism is portrayed well in the novel, especially through the scarlet letter "A". The "A" is the best example because of the changes in the meaning throughout the novel. In the beginning of the novel, the scarlet letter "A" is viewed as a symbol of sin. The middle of the novel is a transition period, where the scarlet letter "A" is viewed differently. In the commencement of the novel, the letter is taken as a label of punishment and sin. Hester Prynne bears the label of the


letter upon her chest. She stands as a label of an outcast in front of society. She is wearing this symbol to burden her with punishment throughout her life. She stands on a plank where her punishment is given, "'Thus she will be a living sermon against sin, until the ignominious letter be engraved upon her tombstone'"(59). Society places its blames upon this woman. It is because of this one letter that Hester's life is changed. The letter's meaning in Puritan society banishes her from her normal life. In the middle of the novel is a transition period where the letter "A" is viewed differently than before. In this section of the novel, Hester's appearance is altered to where she is no longer seen as a person of sin. The letter changes from a symbol of sin to a more vague symbol. Society now sees Hester as a person who is strong yet bears a symbol, which differs he

Some common words found in the essay are:
Society Hester, Hester Prynne, Scarlet Letter, Hester Dimmesdale, Nathaniel Hawthorne, scarlet letter, Dimmesdale Hester, Pearl Scaffold, letter viewed, symbol sin, hester learned deal, middle novel transition, novel transition period, novel transition, middle novel, portrays guilt, transition period, letter's meaning, puritan society, scarlet letter viewed, learned deal,

Approximate Word count = 585
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

join now Save Paper

Related Essays

  • The Scarlet Letter Symbolism The Scarlet Letter Symbolism The Scarlet Letter is a book of much symbolism. One of the most complex and misunderstood symbols in ... 577 words
  • The Scarlet Letter Symbolism The Scarlet Letter Symbolism The Scarlet Letter is a book of much symbolism. One of the most complex and misunderstood symbols ... 625 words
  • The Scarlet Letter Symbolism The Scarlet Letter Symbolism The Scarlet Letter is a book of much symbolism. One of the most complex and misunderstood symbols ... 620 words
  • The Scarlet Letter Symbolism ... Another example of symbolism in The Scarlet Letter could be the meteor seen by Dimmesdale, the tragic hero in the story. Different ... 659 words
  • Scarlet Letter Symbolism ... by way of eloquently placed adjectives, and use if terms such as ampquotsadcolored garments,ampquot ampquotthrong,ampquot and ampquotheavily timbered with oak,ampquot In The Scarlet Letter. ... 489 words

Professional Essays

  • Characters in The Storm and The Scarlet Letter ... Both Kate Chopin and Nathaniel Hawthorne use symbolism to help define their ... A half century after Hawthorne wrote The Scarlet Letter, Chopin wrote ampquotThe Storm ... 2315 words
  • Scarlet Letter ... to formalized behavior, the imaginative outlook inherent in their orthodox symbolism. ... The Scarlet Letter: An Authoritative Test, Essays in Criticism, and ... 2348 words
  • The Scarlet Letter ... to formalized behavior, the imaginative outlook inherent in their orthodox symbolism. ... The Scarlet Letter: An Authoritative Test, Essays in Criticism, and ... 1911 words
  • Allegory, Symbolism ampamp Typology in Literature ... Symbolism abound in both Hawthorne and Melville, from the overt symbols such as the red letter ampquotAampquot in Hawthorne The Scarlet Letter and the white whale in ... 2992 words
  • Aspects of The Scarlet Letter ... evil, her open questioning and preoccupation with the scarlet letter A represent ... Analysis: In these chapters the symbolism of the scaffold is fully revealed ... 7306 words
  • Nathaniel Hawthorne and Puritanism ... This statement identifies the symbolism of Pearl ... flourishes of gold thread, appeared the letter A.ampquot 37 This description of the scarlet letter shows it ... 2079 words


Saved Paper

Save your papers so you can locate them quickly!

Newest Essays

Testimonials

  • "Thank You So Much!!! You have saved me once again!!!"
    Jack M.
  • "With so many papers to chose from, I was able to get ideas to help me with all of my classes. Thank You!"
    Brian P.
  • "I've used this site for the last 3 years to help me come up with ideas for my papers."
    Sara J.
  • "I use this site every week to help me write my own papers!"
    Rachel W.
  • "I love this site!!!"
    Marie N.
Home Join Now Support
Acceptable Use Policy About us FAQ
All papers are for research and reference purposes only!
© 2002-2009 DirectEssays.com. All Rights Reserved.