Imagery And Symbolism In The Scarlet Letter By Nathaniel Hawthorne

In the novel, The Scarlet Letter written by Nathaniel Hawthorne, he captures the definition of a Scarlet Letter through the use of his innovate writing. The novel is based on adultery being committed and the shame that comes with it. The adulteress is Hester Prynne and is marked by the letter A to drown in guilt, while her husband seeks revenge. Throughout the novel, Hawthorne creates a beautiful Feminism novel that is highly influenced by its setting. Hawthorne’s impact on the reader is created by mastering the use of a setting and the connection is has towards the main plot. Through creative imagery, he allowed nature to be the truth and expose each character for their true personalities, but also a contrast between Nature and Puritanism.
The symbolization was crucial to a story that told only one side, it allowed the reader to fully grasp the novel. Hawthorne writes, “Would not the earth, quickened to an evil purpose by the sympathy of his eye, greet him with poisonous shrubs, of species hitherto unknown, that would start up under his fingers?” (Hawthorne Pg.140-141) After looking into Chillingworth’s eyes, Hester describes the very reaction Nature would have if it can actually see him. Using detailed imagery expressing negative conations of Chillingworth allows the reader to comprehend how Nature will continue to tell the truth despite characters dialogue. Not only did it express raw emotion, but nature itself has ventured into the very controversial subject of women during the 18th
In the novel, it was made clear Hester was contemplating about staying in the city and running towards a better life. The freedom that Hester desperately seeks is symbolized by the forest in the outskirts of Boston. “It was the exhilarating effect- upon a prisoner just escaped from the dungeon of his own heart- of breathing the wild, free atmosphere of an unredeemed, unchristianized, lawless region.” (Hawthorne Pg. 159) The reader clearly understands the authors frustration he has for Hester by describing the forest to be a sense of freedom. For a woman in the 18th century to consider living in the forest because it gives her a sense of freedom, shows the desperation she is feeling from her current situation. The narrator also expresses its opinion explaining Hester would be better off living in the forest. Using the narrators voice emphasizes Hawthorne intention to have the reader understand the importance of having a sense of freedom for woman during this time