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Scarlet Letter Symbolism Essay

Symbolism is one of the major leading and critical literary devices of The Scarlet Letter by Nathanial Hawthorne. Many of the characters and items in the book redefine the simple diction of them, and contain deeper, more subtle connotation. In the novel The Scarlet Letter, Hawthorne conveys many varying ideas of symbolism, some of more importance than others, to display the main themes of consequence and sin.

Of all the symbolism in the novel, four main representations stand out among the others, sculpting the story in such a way that pushes the significance of guilt and sin: Pearl, the scarlet letter itself, the meteor, and the scaffold. These exceptional symbols go beyond their original articulation to another level of meaning, some even biblical. Hawthorne utilizes these symbols to emit a specific basis to the story, enhancing its plot, climax, rising, and falling actions.

Of all the symbolism exerted in the novel, Pearl is perhaps the most influential and most important. Although it is easy to perceive Pearl as a complex character, her main influence is a symbol to Hester. Pearl is, so to speak, a certain "living form" of Hester's scarlet letter and a pure representation of her sin. Essentially, Pearl is the outcome of Hester's sexual sin, which is automatically looked down upon by the Puritan townspeople. The name, "Pearl", is also a bit of symbolism in itself, for we know at the end of the book that she becomes healthy in England. In a biblical reference, Pearl can also be related toward a proverb spoken in the Gospel of Matthew. In the Gospel, Jesus mentions "the pearl of great price", which coincidentally goes hand in hand with Hester's daughter. Even though Pearl is a beautiful, healthy baby girl, Hester paid a great cost in giving birth to her and acknowledging her own adultery. Not only is Pearl a symbol to Hester, but also to Dimmesdale, embodying his transgression also. Although Pearl is often looked down upon by the townspeople, Hester views her as a gift. Hester experiences unceasing punishment as a result of Pearl, which in return only increases her love for her. Even with perpetual criticism throughout for Pearl, she exemplifies then passion between Hester and Dimmesdale's intriguing affair.

The most recognized symbol in The Scarlet Letter is the scarlet letter itself. The symbolism of the scarlet letter A that Hester is required to wear on her bosom actually changes throughout the novel. Though when the story commences the A is recognized as a sign of adultery, Hester changes its perception through diligence and passion for her daughter. Through hard work, Hester changes the meaning of the letter A to "able". In later years when Hester voluntarily takes back the scarlet letter, it transmutes to somewhat a symbol of peace for her. By Hester embroidering her A so delicately