The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne uses symbolism. The symbols help the reader visualize exactly what is happening. Three key symbols in the novel are the actual scarlet letter, the rosebush, and Hester's daughter Pearl.
             The scarlet letter was an important symbol in the novel. It symbolizes shame and deceit. The scarlet letter was used to show the community what she had done and how she had shamed herself and others. It was an embroidered tombstone on her chest. The Scarlet Letter was used to show the she would eventually have to repent for her sins. The Letter was done in such neat and fine embroidery that all the women in the town were jealous of her stitch work. "She hath good skill at her needle, that's certain;" "remarked one of her female speculators;"
             In The Scarlet Letter, there was a rosebush that bloomed outside the prison. It showed that there was beauty in even the darkest of places. It bloomed even though its surroundings were not all that great. It was important, it gave Hester strength to endure all odds, and it showed her that even the most beautiful things could survive in the darkest of places. "The rosebush, by a strange chance, has been kept alive in history."
             Pearl was Hester Prynne's daughter. Through all of the controversy she stayed her mother's treasure. Many citizens of the town believed that Pearl was the Devil's child, but Hester knew better. Pearl symbolized the strength and blood in Hester's veins. She was important in every aspect to Hester and to Hester's trial. Pearl was her mother's treasure. "For so Hester called her; not as a name expressive of her aspect, which had nothing of the calm, white, unimpassioned luster that would be indicated by the comparison. But she named the infant 'Pearl,' as being of great price-purchased with all she had-her mot
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