There are a lot of symbols throughout The Scarlet Letter. Some symbols stay the entire book other just fades as the book goes on. Three of the biggest symbols that stay the entire book are the Roses on the prison door, the scarlet A, and Pearl.…
This passage demonstrates the first of many meanings of motif, the scarlet letter. The meaning and concept described is the most basic and obvious meaning to the letter. The quote shows that the scarlet letter stands for adulterer. Although the meaning of the letter changes throughout the book, the original meaning for the A represents Hester’s punishment…
In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel The Scarlet Letter, many concepts and ideas are represented and shown by using symbols. Hawthorne’s concrete symbols used to epitomize abstract ideas change meaning as characters, notably the main character Hester Prynne, grow and change. With its connotation changing from negative to positive, the symbol of the scarlet letter “A” represents Hester as adulterous, angelic, and able.…
Symbolism is the use of symbols to signify ideas and qualities by giving them symbolic meanings that are different from their literal sense. Almost everything in a literary piece can be used as a symbol. If the author takes the time to write about it then it’s important. If the object doesn't seem relevant than it is probably being used as a symbol and probably has a deeper meaning. Anything can be used as a symbol, and in The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne there are many different symbols. A certain import symbol to me in the book is Pearl, Hester’s daughter.…
In order to portray the overall theme of The Scarlet Letter, Hawthorne uses motifs, which are recurring concepts or contrasts. From the beginning of the novel and throughout, there are clear examples of light versus dark that are used to set tone and mood, and used for character development. Hawthorne utilizes the idea of light versus dark, or day versus night to convey the theme of covert sin and overt abomination.…
Symbolism was a literary movement during the nineteenth century that influenced many poets. Symbolism is anything that stands for or represents something else. "The Scarlet Letter", by Nathaniel Hawthorne is filled with symbolism which he uses to unify the novel and add a deeper level of meaning to the story. In the novel, the three most important symbolisms were the forest, the scaffold, and the scarlet letter "A" on Hester's bosom. But the symbolism of the scarlet letter "A" outweighs every other symbolism.…
Nathaniel Hawthorne beautifully crafts his story by using symbolism to reveal details about the story and its characters. In The Scarlet Letter one of the most obvious and prominent symbols is the scarlet "A" placed on Hester. But many readers do not realize that to accompany the letter is Hester's daughter Pearl. Although they have the one similarity of having manifested themselves in a physical form they do evolve through the story into two completely different things. In the beginning the scarlet letter "A" represents Hester's adulterous sin. It is used against her to humiliate her and to persecute her. Through the story it slowly starts to become something more. The letter…
The Scarlet Letter contains many reflective and important symbols. The device of symbolism is described in the novel with different meanings. In the beginning of The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, he uses a rosebush, a letter A on Hester Prynne’s blossom, and Pearl as examples to symbolism for the Scarlet Letter. As the novel goes on the meaning of the Scarlet Letter A on Hester’s blossom changes from Adultery to Able to Angel. This shows that symbolism can change from one thing to another.…
The Mockingbird symbolizes innocence, hope and peace. Harper Lee: To Kill a Mockingbird is one of the greatest books I have read. While reading the book I have chose some people to be mockingbirds. I chose Atticus and Tom Robinson to be mockingbirds. I chose these two particular people because they both play a wonderful part in the book and haven't done anything horrible. They just try to help others out and never lied once.…
Nathaniel Hawthorne, author of “The Scarlet Letter” chooses to use a number of different symbols in vital scenes throughout his book. In the story, the reader will recognize a number of different images that have much deeper meanings contributing to the plot of the novel. Hawthorne produces a detailed image for the reader and makes the symbols clear in his writing. Symbolism is a major aspect of “The Scarlet Letter”, without it, the story would not be as highly regarded as it is today.…
(An analysis of the letter ‘a’ and all the symbolisms behind it from Nathaniel Hawthorne’s, The Scarlet Letter.)…
In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s classic novel The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne uses symbolism to reinforce the idea that, for every action, there is a positive or negative effect that will follow. In simple terms, if you do something bad, there will be a negative consequence. One of the main recurring symbols in the novel is the scarlet letter itself. The scarlet ‘A’ that Hester Prynne wears in the novel is worth a lot more than just its material value, it relays many ideas and themes. The ‘A’ is a punishment for one of the worst sins that could be committed; adultery. The punishment that is caused by the scarlet ‘A’ manifests itself in different ways and in different people. For example, Hester’s punishment comes in the form of public embarrassment and shame, whereas Minister Dimmesdale’s guilt comes in the form of personal guilt. The ‘A’ means different things at different times in the book also.…
Symbolism is one feature in The Scarlet Letter that Nathaniel Hawthorne uses quite a lot; and I find it especially interesting how he is able to cleverly use metaphors to get this symbolism across. Symbolism runs wild throughout the book in the form of Pearl. Pearl is like an extended metaphor in a sense because, throughout the romance, Hawthorne uses her as a living reminder of the Scarlet Letter and the sin that Hester commits. This strategy adds an interesting element to the book since the reader is constantly reminded of Hester’s condemnation without Hawthorne having to continually speak of the Scarlet Letter and the sin attached to it. I personally feel bad for both Hester and Pearl because of the way others treat them.…
Symbolism works to tie the story's action to the story's theme. It began in the 19th century as a literary and artistic movement that sought to evoke, rather than describe, ideas or feelings through the use of symbolic images. It is also defined as using objects, characters, figures, or colors to represent abstract ideas or concepts. A better understanding of the symbols will greatly help the reader understand the story as a whole. Hawthorne used it in many ways in The Scarlet Letter. First there was the scarlet letter itself. Second, in his use of light and color. The third symbol was Pearl. Finally, there was the meteor.…
Governor Bellingham is the former governor who believes that Pearl should not be raised by Hester. When Hester and Pearl go to his house to return a pair of gloves, and hear of rumors about Pearl. Whilst walking to his door, Pearl notices and embraces the cheeriness of the sunlight. In these moments, Hawthorne displays a rougher side of Pearl “... imperatively required that the whole breadth of sunshine should be stripped off its front, and given her to play with” (Hawthorne 94). The sun is used in this example to show a different meaning. The sun symbolizes happiness. When Pearl demands her mother to take the sunlight and give it to her, Hester replies back with how she cannot, and how Pearl must get her own sunlight by herself. “‘No, my little…