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
50), the prison door symbolizes Puritanism, with its harsh nature and Old World practices. In fact, Pearl even says, "I have no heavenly father!" (p. As might be evident from the title, the scarlet letter Hester Prynne wears is perhaps the most powerful symbol Hawthorne uses. There are visible thorns here and there, but overall it is a beautiful thing. Thus, the scarlet letter initially symbolized the sin that Hester and Dimmesdale committed and came to stand for the good that society finally found in Hester. Analyzing the symbols used in this story is essential to gaining a thorough understanding of the messages Nathaniel Hawthorne wished to convey. This line explains that although Pearl is the product of a sin, this was a great price to be paid. "But she named the infant 'Pearl,' as being of great price,-purchased with all she had,-her mother's only treasure!" (p. Now, she is the only important thing in Hester's life, because committing the sin forced Hester into virtual isolation.
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Acceptance Essays
