Symbolism In Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter

The Letter A and All its Meanings
(An analysis of the letter ‘a’ and all the symbolisms behind it from Nathaniel Hawthorne’s, The Scarlet Letter.) Many times, an important item in texts has more than one connotation. The Scarlet Ibis, written by James Hurst is a prime example of how elements in stories have multiple meanings. In the story, the Ibis is a rare and wonderful bird; however, despite its beauty, wasn’t made for that environment and eventually fell victim to death. The author was trying to relate the Ibis to the narrator’s brother, Doodle. Doodle had a slight mental and physical impairment, and his brother, trying to teach him to be the ‘perfect’ boy, pushed Doodle to physical exhaustion and died. Just as James Hurst did, Nathaniel Hawthorne used the letter ‘a’ from, The Scarlet Letter, to have multiple symbols: the sign of adultery having been committed, the ability to be able, and the ability to change. Originally, the letter ‘a’ from, The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne stood for adultery. People found guilty of this crime were thrown into prison
Her standing in the town changed over the years to be known as ‘able’ and not ‘adulteress.’ “Such helpfulness was found in her--so much power to do, and power to sympathize--that many people refused to interpret the scarlet A by its original signification. They said that it meant Able, so strong was Hester Prynne, with a woman's strength,” (pg. 56, line 29). People changed their opinions because of the good Hester brought with her to the town. When others were in need, they could always count on Hester to help them out. If a disliked task needed done, Hester would employ her services; if someone needed a few extra hands, Hester’s would be