In The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, he tells a story of a woman who has been picked out by society. This occurred because she was found guilty of the sin of adultery. Hawthorne tells her story while also making valid truths known. He expresses the views of a Puritan society of the time and their strict beliefs and morals. Throughout The Scarlet Letter, Hawthorne uses symbols, universal truths, and moral principles to teach multiple lessons to the reader.
             As the story opens, we are immediately given our first symbol, a prison. This prison is where the main character, Hester Prynne has to reside due to the sin which she has committed. The prison represents the severity of the law during the time of that Puritan lifestyle. It shows how hard it is to break free of these laws. We also quickly hear about the rosebush that lies outside of the prison. It represents the passion that lies within Hester Prynne. It parallels the fact that Hester has a child as a result of her strong passion. The rosebush gives hope to the reader that in this cold Boston community, a rosebush can pull through to add some color and life.
             Throughout the continuation of the novel, we are given many more symbols. For example, there are multiple remarks concerning the "Black Man." It is obvious that this refers to the Devil. Some claim Hester has given her life up to this supposed Black Man. Without a doubt, another symbol is the scarlet letter that Hester has been forced to wear. It is given to her by society so everyone can distinguish her differently. The scarlet letter alienates Hester from the rest of the townspeople and often causes her to be ridiculed or avoided. Another unquestionable symbol is young Pearl. Though Hester loves Pearl tremendously, Pearl is a reminder of Hester's sin. She is a permanent, twenty-four hour, reflection of the scarlet letter and why Hester must wear it.
             The truths told by this story, on the o
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