Scarlet Letter contains a countless amount of symbolism that at some times confuses the reader but always keeps them thinking. There are so many things that have meanings and significance to them which makes the novel worth while. In this essay, these things will be revealed.
             The first example is the scarlet "A" on Hester Prynne's chest has many various reasons. Originally standing for the sin of adultery, the Puritan community considered the letter a mark of just punishment put on her for the crime she committed. Although she wore the letter without shame, Hester saw the letter as a symbol of unjust humiliation. Dimmesdale saw it as a reminder of his own guilt due the sin he had done. To Chillingsworth the "A" symbolized a quest for revenge to find the adulterer. Pearl saw it as a great mystery and was curious as to what it meant. Throughout the book, the "A" changes from "Adulterer" to "Able" to "Angle". The purpose of this to show that objects in stories can have more than one meaning you just have to use your imagination.
             The symbolism in light and dark is immense throughout Scarlet Letter. One example of the effective use of light and dark symbolism occurs when Hester and her daughter are walking in the forest, Pearl exclaims:
             Mother, the sunshine does not love you. It runs away and hides itself, because it is afraid of something on your bosom. Now see! There it is, playing, a good way off. Stand you here, and let me run and catch it. I am but a child. It will not flee from me, for I wear nothing on my bosom yet (175).
             Another way light and darkness is used in symbolism is by the way Hester and Dimmesdale's plan to escape is doomed. Hester and Dimmesdale meet in the shadows of the forest with a gloomy sky and a threatening storm overhead when they discuss their plans for the future. The gloomy weather and shadows demonstrate the fa...