symbolism in - scarlet letter
A symbol is a person, place, thing or event that has meaning in itself and that also stands forsomething more. Direct statements of feeling can sometimes be inadequate; instead the use ofstriking symbols to evoke complexities of mood and meaning are much more interesting to read andanalyze to truly appreciate a classic piece of literature. In his novel, The Scarlet Letter, NathanielHawthorne makes extensive uses of symbolism. People and objects are symbolic of events andthoughts. The letter "A," the forest, the characters and the scaffold scenes all take a larger meaning,which enhance the theme and the plot of the play. The Scarlet Letter is a compelling story which explores the inner emotions of the humanmind, spirit, and the heart. (Scharnhorst, 11) Set around the 1640s in a Boston Puritan society, itfocuses on the moral issue revolving around the virtue of truth and the evil of secret sin. ReverendArthur Dimmesdale, a man of profound knowledge of religion and a true devotee of God, commits acrime of passion with the young and married Hester Prynne. The Puritan society, which barelytolerates any sin, seeks out Hester Prynne and punishes her by making her wear the scarlet letter "A."
and pointing evidently towards her mother's breast. Without Pearl, Hester would havelived a different life, one without the scarlet letter, one without sin, and one without her treasure. These three powerful scenes are each one being more climactic than theprevious. The return of this letter, however, is beneficial to Hester. One of the most complex andmisunderstood characters in the novel is Pearl. Due to the weakness in his characterand the guilt that comes from within, he is forced to carry the tremendous weight of concealing hissin on his soul and heart. (Scharnhorst, 99) Although Pearl changes, she alwayssymbolizes evil, defying Puritan laws by being cheerful and associating with nature. (Scharnhorst, 101) The embarrassment atop the scaffold is supposedto punish Hester and make her repent yet it does not. Hester finally perceives this fact, but not in itsdeeper meaning. The letter "A"begins as a symbol of sin. The letter changes from a symbol of sin to a more vague symbol. Soon after, Hester and Pearl arrive, and join Dimmesdale. Iknow nothing that I would not sooner encounter than this in passion a child! .
Common topics in this essay:
Pearl Scharnhorst,
Society Hester,
Hester Dimmesdale,
Dimmesdale Hester,
Pearl Hester,
Hester Pearl,
Hester Dimmesdale's,
Arthur Dimmesdale,
Pearl Hester's,
,
scarlet letter,
puritan society,
hester dimmesdale,
arthur dimmesdale,
hester prynne,
symbol sin,
hester reattaches letter,
piece literature,
classic piece,
hester return,
evil pearl,
classic piece literature,
|
Acceptance Essays
