Symbols and Symbolism Essay - Symbolism in Nathaniel Hawthornes The Scarlet Letter :: Scarlet Letter essays

Symbolism in the Scarlet Letter     Symbolism plays an important role in the Scarlet Letter. The scarlet A is used to incorporate snake pit and anguish along with happiness. The A has different meanings to people other than what was originally intended. The scaffold is used as a place of repentance and understanding by God. Pearl is another major emblem used as a reminder of the scarlet letter.   The scarlet A is the most important symbol in the Scarlet Letter. The letter A does not have a universally symbolic relationship with fornication. The letter A was the first letter of adultery and the Puritans put the negative connotation on the letter. The community interprets the cosmic A as Angel, signifying the passing of Governor Winthrop. The letter on Hesters bosom represented the sin of adultery, yet as that it meant different things to Hester, Dimsdale, Pearl, Chillingworth and the Puritan community. To Hester it represented alienation and unjust humil iation .   Hester looked, by way of humoring the child and she saw that, owing to the left over(p) effect of this convex mirror, the scarlet letter was represented in exaggerated and gigantic proportions, so as to be greatly the most prominent characteristic of her appearance. In truth, she seemed absolutely hidden behind it.   This shows how the community saw a sinner and the A, not Hester. The women sneered and jested at her in public and wanted to reconcile Pearl from her. The prison also symbolizes isolation and alienation. Hester lives in a prison of alienation and Dimsdale in his guilt. Yet later as Hester shows signs of humbleness by embroidering items for others and hush up wearing dim colored clothing, the community says her A is for able. To Dimsdale, the letter represents his guilt and agony. It constantly torments him throughout the book. It reminds him of his undeclared sin and also how Hester suffers for him. For Chillingworth, the letter is hi s need for retaliation and he wants what is on the ministers chest unveiled to the community. He did not want this to happen as fast as it happened for the letter was Chillingworths life, and he died shortly afterwards Dimsdales death because he had nothing to do with his life.