Symbolism in scarlet letter
Symbolism in the Scarlet Letter :- Pranshu Nagpure ; Y9425
The Scarlet Letter abounds with symbolism, which Hawthorne uses to unify the novel and add a deeper level of meaning to the story. Rose bush blooming next to the prison door symbolises moral blossom and shows how beauty can arise from anything. Scaffold and the pillory symbolises the rigid puritan rules, public humiliation and also a means of redemption. The forest surrounding the village is associated with evil activities. Also the forest is a place of freedom where Hester and Dimmesdale can express their love and plan escape from the puritan society .The scarlet letter A appears in various forms and acquiring various meanings in the course of the novel. Initially to the puritans, it symbolises adultery and punishment. But seeing Hester’s good deeds to the society, it begins to symbolise Able. Also, on Governor Winthrop’s funeral, the puritans see the letter A on the sky marked by the meteor as Angel. But for Dimmesdale, throughout the novel, the letter is a cruel reminder of his own sin. For Chillingworth, it is a symbol of revenge. This is shown when he says that his revenge on Hester has been taken by the scarlet letter. For Pearl, it is a symbol of curiosity and an important object to link some sort of connection between her mother and Dimmesdale. Hawthorne uses different colours to create specific moods. Red is used as a symbol of hope, sin and revenge in different situations. The red rose bush provides a hope for moral blossom. The scarlet letter embroidery, the meteor, the red letter A on Dimmesdale’s chest and on Pearl’s clothes are all reminders of the sin and its punishment. Chillingworth’s eyes are red because all that he seeks is revenge. Grey colour symbolises gloom and cruelty. It is seen in the hats of puritan men when Hester is about to be brought to the scaffold for public humiliation. Hester’s coarse grey garments depict her dull and gloomy life filled with grief, guilt, and sorrow.
The Scarlet Letter abounds with symbolism, which Hawthorne uses to unify the novel and add a deeper level of meaning to the story. Rose bush blooming next to the prison door symbolises moral blossom and shows how beauty can arise from anything. Scaffold and the pillory symbolises the rigid puritan rules, public humiliation and also a means of redemption. The forest surrounding the village is associated with evil activities. Also the forest is a place of freedom where Hester and Dimmesdale can express their love and plan escape from the puritan society .The scarlet letter A appears in various forms and acquiring various meanings in the course of the novel. Initially to the puritans, it symbolises adultery and punishment. But seeing Hester’s good deeds to the society, it begins to symbolise Able. Also, on Governor Winthrop’s funeral, the puritans see the letter A on the sky marked by the meteor as Angel. But for Dimmesdale, throughout the novel, the letter is a cruel reminder of his own sin. For Chillingworth, it is a symbol of revenge. This is shown when he says that his revenge on Hester has been taken by the scarlet letter. For Pearl, it is a symbol of curiosity and an important object to link some sort of connection between her mother and Dimmesdale. Hawthorne uses different colours to create specific moods. Red is used as a symbol of hope, sin and revenge in different situations. The red rose bush provides a hope for moral blossom. The scarlet letter embroidery, the meteor, the red letter A on Dimmesdale’s chest and on Pearl’s clothes are all reminders of the sin and its punishment. Chillingworth’s eyes are red because all that he seeks is revenge. Grey colour symbolises gloom and cruelty. It is seen in the hats of puritan men when Hester is about to be brought to the scaffold for public humiliation. Hester’s coarse grey garments depict her dull and gloomy life filled with grief, guilt, and sorrow.