Hawthorne creates depth and a new dimension within his writing, with a manipulated form of classic symbolism. One of the most consistently prominent types of symbolism throughout his work is his use of dark and light. Unlike the classic interpretation of light as a force of goodness and purity and dark being the embodiment of evil, Hawthorne gives depth and meaning to the contrasting elements by incorporating love and the puritanical ideal. In describing the objects surrounding his characters, the constant devices of light and dark are used to emphasize evil, spiritual corruption, and the harmful repercussions of the puritan ideals. The use of light in Hawthorne's writing has established new grounds for this simple color of good. It has come to represent love, comfort, and the nature of a human. While symbolizing passion and truth it has been used to solidify Hawthorne's own rejection of the puritan ideal. The use of light and dark as more than a form of description or foreshadowing has given Hawthorne the tool for developing a new relationship with his readers. It has allowed him to add depth to the emotions surrounding the events and readers' participation in his stories. The contrast of beliefs and his fluid embrace of the moldable meaning that he has given to light and dark allow Hawthorne to describe more than just scenery. Hawthorne's portrayal of life in puritanical society is an ongoing theme present in all of his writings. Without his use of light and dark, the moral convictions and values of the themes and plots would not be so elegantly interpreted into more than just words.
             Hawthorne's repetitive use of the classic metaphor actively depicts the contrasting beliefs in a puritanical society. In The Scarlet Letter, Hawthorne uses light and dark throughout the book to depict the sanctity and safety of nature and love and the corrupted evil of a puritanical society struggling to justify their beliefs. Th...