What Does Sunshine Symbolize In The Scarlet Letter

Symbolism is the use of concrete symbols to display a deeper more detailed meaning. In "The Scarlet Letter", Nathaniel Hawthorne employs many symbols that demonstrate a deeper sense. The most obvious symbol is the scarlet "A" that Hester is required to wear as punishment for the adultery she was accused of. The use of sunshine to display goodness and purity illustrates a strong symbol throughout the novel. Pearl, the daughter of Hester and Dimmesdale, is the strongest and most mystifying symbol in the novel. In "The Scarlet Letter" Hawthorne uses these symbols to give the reader an observation and a view on the way that the Puritan society is affected by sin.

The title of the novel, "The Scarlet Letter", is symbolism along with the many symbols
in the actual text. Hester is required to wear an embroidered letter "A" on her clothes as punishment for her sin. Hester and the townspeople see this as a serious sentence. Hawthorne shows Hester's outlook of her punishment by writing "she turned her eyes downward at the scarlet letter, and even touched it with her finger, to assure herself that the infant and shame were real." The initial perception of the reader is that the "A" stands for adultery, the sin that Hester committed. This ruling was intended for the public to know of Hester's sin and treat her accordingly. Society condemns her for her act and they know little more of her. The "A" actually has a more abstract meaning. It could mean "American." At the time America was more religion based than it is today. The Puritan way of life affects Boston as well as many other regions of America. Americans were punished harshly for acting against the Christian religion. Another meaning for the letter "A" could be "able." The view of the townspeople changed. Hester proved that she was a strong, able women by living a life being condemned by society and having little support. Hawthorne illustrates the changed view of the town by writing " It is our Hester, -the town's own Hester, who is so kind to the poor, so helpful to the sick, so comfortable to the afflicted!" Hester took her punishment with her head held high. She was able to take all of the ridicule and torment inflicted upon her by the other townspeople.

Although the scarlet "A" may be the most obvious use of symbolism Hawthorne also uses sunshine as a symbol.
Sunshine is used to symbolize goodness and purity. An example of this is when Hester takes Pearl in the forest. The sunshine shines on Pearl but disappears when Hester approaches. Hester cannot get near the sunlight because of her sin, but Pearl, who is an innocent child, can touch the light. This causes Hester to feel alienated from Pearl. Hester's sin was solely her fault and has caused Pearl to live a life harder than the average child. The sun shining on Pearl symbolizes her helpless innocence even though she seems to be a devil child. Another example of this symbolism in the forest is when Hester removes her scarlet letter that she was condemned to wear. As soon as the letter is detached from her chest sunlight begins to flood through the forest. This indicates that once Hester's sin is removed she is pure of heart. Hester's sin of adultery is hiding the kindhearted and capable woman that she really is. When Dimmesdale stands on the scaffold with Hester and Pearl he does so at night. He feels incomplete because he knows that to relieve himself of his hidden sin he must do so in daylight for all to see. Sunlight is used as a way out of Dimmesdale's concealed sin. Although he will be shamed and dishonored by the townspeople he will not have a secret burden. Only then will he be able to die in
peace.

The most mysterious use of symbolism in "The Scarlet Letter" is Hester's daughter Pearl. Throughout the novel Pearl is a transforming symbol. The moral that she symbolizes changes and takes many forms. When the Puritans punished Hester for her sin they compelled her to wear the scarlet letter, but that is not her only punishment. God also punished Hester by bestowing her with Pearl. Pearl was a constant reminder of Hester's sin. Pearl's connection with the scarlet letter was a symbol of punishment. Pearl would constantly question Hester about the scarlet letter. Pearl even made her own letter "A" to wear. This shows that Pearl and the scarlet letter are the same thing. They are both punishments and reminders of Hester's sin. Although Pearl is a very difficult and impulsive child there are times when she could be almost like an ordinary child. At times like this she would show that she truly did love her mother and that is what kept her mother from breaking down completely. This symbolizes the fact although Hester sinned there was still another chance for her to experience happiness.

By using symbolism, Hawthorne is able to illustrate how the Puritans and their community deal with sin and how this affects sinners. The scarlet letter "A" symbolizes the sin that Hester committed and the way that the Puritans treat sin. Sunshine is used to symbolize innocence and purity. Pearl, a constantly changing symbol, represents God's punishment for Hester's sin. Hawthorne's use of symbolism throughout the novel gives the story a deeper meaning.