Kayla Sparling
Mrs. Soltis
English 10 H
11 January 2016
The Scarlet Letter: Symbolism
Symbolism is a topic that is widely concealed throughout the chapter of The Scarlet Letter. Hawthorne uses such symbolism in a way to give the reader a better understanding of the book. Some symbols relatively have a limited range of meanings, but could be simplified to stand for only one thing (Foster 98). Throughout The Scarlet Letter, symbols including character names, the letter “A” found on Hester’s bosom, and colors found in the book provide readers with insight to developing characters and plot.
Symbolism in Character Names: Pearl
Pearl is one of the many character’s in which their name symbolizes the way that they are and the way that they develop in the story. Pearl is Hester’s child who is very devil-like and menacing. Pearl’s name corresponds with black Pearls, which are very rare (O’Mara). Most children are not like Pearl and do not act in that manner. She has a dark soul, yet she is still so beautiful. Her name, in a way, reflects her darkness. Also black Pearls are often rejected from mollusks earlier than any other pearl (O’Mara). Right when she was born, Pearl was rejected from society because of her mother’s reputation.
Pearls name also …show more content…
Red is the color of the “A” that Hester wore upon her bosom. Since Pearl is the one that results from Hester’s sin, she represents the letter “A”. Red symbolizes beauty, wealth, and marriage (Chavalier 795), and Pearl was the one who was gifted with all three. Pearl was beautiful, and was born without a single flaw. At the end of the story, it was mentioned that Pearl did in fact get married and was very wealthy. Chillingworth felt guilty about taking Pearl’s father away from her so when he died, she was given all of his fortune to Pearl in an effort to make up for everything he has done. Unlike Hester, Pearl found true love and
Mrs. Soltis
English 10 H
11 January 2016
The Scarlet Letter: Symbolism
Symbolism is a topic that is widely concealed throughout the chapter of The Scarlet Letter. Hawthorne uses such symbolism in a way to give the reader a better understanding of the book. Some symbols relatively have a limited range of meanings, but could be simplified to stand for only one thing (Foster 98). Throughout The Scarlet Letter, symbols including character names, the letter “A” found on Hester’s bosom, and colors found in the book provide readers with insight to developing characters and plot.
Symbolism in Character Names: Pearl
Pearl is one of the many character’s in which their name symbolizes the way that they are and the way that they develop in the story. Pearl is Hester’s child who is very devil-like and menacing. Pearl’s name corresponds with black Pearls, which are very rare (O’Mara). Most children are not like Pearl and do not act in that manner. She has a dark soul, yet she is still so beautiful. Her name, in a way, reflects her darkness. Also black Pearls are often rejected from mollusks earlier than any other pearl (O’Mara). Right when she was born, Pearl was rejected from society because of her mother’s reputation.
Pearls name also …show more content…
Red is the color of the “A” that Hester wore upon her bosom. Since Pearl is the one that results from Hester’s sin, she represents the letter “A”. Red symbolizes beauty, wealth, and marriage (Chavalier 795), and Pearl was the one who was gifted with all three. Pearl was beautiful, and was born without a single flaw. At the end of the story, it was mentioned that Pearl did in fact get married and was very wealthy. Chillingworth felt guilty about taking Pearl’s father away from her so when he died, she was given all of his fortune to Pearl in an effort to make up for everything he has done. Unlike Hester, Pearl found true love and