Symbolism In The Scarlett Letter
Symbolism is a tool used to enhance a deeper meaning to objects, people, and ideas that are often seen as simple. To determine what falls as a symbol and what does not takes more informative and stimulating reading. For example, if an object repeats or surfaces multiple times may be a symbol, or one that has given off a chain of reactions may also be one. Throughout “The Scarlet Letter” novel, Nathaniel Hawthorne uses symbolism to convey deeper meanings by using characters, names, and objects that may be symbols. In a way, the word “may” reminds readers of the uncertainty and possibility of an object being a symbol. A symbol is anything that has extra meaning, and not everything has a deeper context than just the simple, literal meaning the
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At first, Hester symbolized the downfall of her Puritan town, but over the course of the book, changes into a role model townsmen that helps the poor and sick: “None so ready as she to give of her little substance to every demand of poverty” and “it was the taper of the sick chamber,” (Hawthorne 177) show this. For example, the scarlet a on Hester Prynne’s chest represents sin and adultery: “she turned her eyes downward at the scarlet letter, and even touched it with her finger, to assure herself that the infant and the shame were real.” (Hawthorne 67) This symbol changes, however. The same symbol that was once portrayed as a sinful act evolves to meaning able bodied, and hard working. “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.” (Hawthorne 177)
Finally, Symbolism in “The Scarlet Letter” commonly occurs, although changes throughout to have deeper and different meanings later on. They might mean something in the beginning, and in the end mean the opposite. Transforming symbols help propel the plot of a
At first, Hester symbolized the downfall of her Puritan town, but over the course of the book, changes into a role model townsmen that helps the poor and sick: “None so ready as she to give of her little substance to every demand of poverty” and “it was the taper of the sick chamber,” (Hawthorne 177) show this. For example, the scarlet a on Hester Prynne’s chest represents sin and adultery: “she turned her eyes downward at the scarlet letter, and even touched it with her finger, to assure herself that the infant and the shame were real.” (Hawthorne 67) This symbol changes, however. The same symbol that was once portrayed as a sinful act evolves to meaning able bodied, and hard working. “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.” (Hawthorne 177)
Finally, Symbolism in “The Scarlet Letter” commonly occurs, although changes throughout to have deeper and different meanings later on. They might mean something in the beginning, and in the end mean the opposite. Transforming symbols help propel the plot of a