Symbolism in

A detailed Summary of Symbolism in

Considered to be one of the great American classics, The Scarlet Letter is a superb example of the use of symbolism to convey a novel's theme. The emphasis on symbolism in this book is reminiscent of the New England Transcendentalist movement, in which Nathaniel Hawthorne, author of the novel, took part. Hawthorne uses the rosebush, Pearl, and the scarlet letter as symbols to convey his themes (sin, guilt, atonement, et al.) in this novel.

The first symbol Hawthorne reveals is the rosebush that sits right outside the door of the prison. Its meaning is even given right away, as Hawthorne wrote, "It may serve, let us hope, to symbolize some sweet moral blossom, that may be found along the track, or relieve the darkening close of a tail of human frailty and sorrow." (p. 50). Essentially this says that Hester's "moral blossom" after she received the scarlet lett

er changed how people viewed her, which is now the same as a rose. There are visible thorns here and there, but overall it is a beautiful thing. An additional meaning for this symbol comes when it is contrasted to the door of the prison. Described as "heavily timbered with oak and studded with iron spikes" (p. 49) and "more antique than anything else in the New World" (p. 50), the prison door symbolizes Puritanism, with its harsh nature and Old World practices. The rosebush then would signify the beauty with which Hester flourished in the midst of all this.

As might be evident from the title, the scarlet letter Hester Prynne wears is perhaps the most powerful symbol Hawthorne uses. Its initial meaning is one of shame and sin; the "A" stands for "adulteress," which Hester was convicted of being. This meaning is also supported when Reverend Dimmesdale sees a

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Approximate Word count = 584
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Novels

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