How Does Nathaniel Hawthorne Use Symbols In The Scarlet Letter

Nathaniel Hawthorne is one of the most widely known authors to use symbols in American literature. In the book, The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, he uses symbols to represent an idea. An example of this would be religious, moral, or philosophical concept or value. An allegory in literature is a story where characters, objects, and events have a hidden meaning and are used to present some universal lesson. Hawthorne demonstrates this type of symbolism in the book because the Puritans saw the world through allegory. Puritans saw simple patterns, like the meteor streaking through the sky as a religious or moral interpretation for human events and objects, such as the scaffold, were ritualistic symbols for sin and confession. Puritans
Pearl is a complicated symbol of an act of love. People view Pearl in different ways. Dimmesdale sees Pearl as the "freedom of a broken law"; Hester sees her as the living proof of their sin; and the community sees her as the result of the devil's work. She is the scarlet letter who reminds Hester of her sin, adultery. Pearl has a wild imagination. This behavior was so powerful that the Puritans could not believe in it or didn’t want to understand. For example, “Behold, verily, there is the woman of the scarlet letter; and, of a truth, moreover, there is the likeness of the scarlet letter running along by her side! Come, therefore, and let us fling mud at them!” (p.98). The children of the Puritan community are afraid of Pearl. They are cruel to Hester and Pearl because they know something isn’t right because of what people say. Pearl is described as an outcast an, ‘imp of evil, emblem and product of sin, she had no right among christened infants.” (p. 89). Pearl is aware of her difference from others and that people fear her. In Chapter 19, Hester meets Dimmesdale in the forest, Pearl refuses to come across the brook to see them, “Thou strange child, why dost thou come to me?” explained Hester. (p. 205). Pearl refuses to go to them because they symbolize the Puritan society in which she doesn’t find happiness in. In the forest she is in tune with nature and free. Pearl’s mirrored
Dimmesdale is a Puritan minister who is well educated. Dimmesdale shows no lack of faith to God and is very devoted to his religion. He is the character that battles the most with conflict in the book and struggles to confess his sin. The Puritans believed that Dimmesdale’s dilemma was that he was not sure where his soul belonged. He is recognized for performing such outstanding Puritan duties as a minister. Dimmesdale calls himself a hypocrite for committing adultery. For example, “Nay.” rejoined the young minister, putting his hand to his heart, with a flush of pain flitting over his brow…” (p. 119). Dimmesdale now has the habit of placing his hand over his heart in pain. The community’s concern for him has them noticing his increasing health problems and that he appears to be wasting away. In chapter 11, Dimmesdale delivers sermons, “The saint on earth! Alas, if the discern such sinfulness in his own white soul, what horrid spectacle would he behold in thine or mine!” (p. 140-141). Dimmesdale’s suffering inspires him to deliver powerful sermons. These sermons focus on sin and the struggles with human weakness. In the third scaffold scene, Dimmesdale confession guarantees his salvation. In Chapter 23, Dimmesdale mourns, “Thou hast escaped me! ... Thou hast escaped me!” (p. 249). Dimmesdale asks God to forgive him and Chillingworth for their sins. Dimmesdale is described as a Christ figure and the scarlet letter. He