Summary Of Symbolism In The Scarlet Letter By Nathaniel Hawthorne

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For any person who has read The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, it is obvious that symbolism plays a major part. Not only did his story have a great plot line, but if the reader was able to read in between the lines, they would find an even deeper and greater meaning behind his story. Using symbolism is a way for the author to give the audience a message. In most symbolic texts, the author creates one important symbol, but in The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne creates many symbols throughout the entire story. Not only does he have more than one symbol in the plot, but some of the symbols have multiple meanings. Such as the letter “A,” its meaning changes more as the story starts to unfold; at first, it is a symbol of adultery, then hard work, and lastly, honor. Initially, Hester receives the letter “A” as a punishment for adultery. She has slept with someone, that someone she will not mention the name of, out of wedlock and forever has to wear a scarlet “A” on her chest to show everyone the sin she has committed. The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne states, “...if truth were everywhere to be shown, a scarlet letter would blaze forth on many a bosom...” During that time period, sexual impurity was a huge offense. Since the government and state pretty much worked together as one, if a person committed a sin they could be punished according to …show more content…
The letter “A” is a perfect example of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s use of symbolism in the Scarlet Letter because not only, does it portray a deeper meaning, but the meaning of the letter continuously changes during the story. Hawthorne clearly takes advantage of using symbolism in his story to make it much more full and emotional effect on its readers. The letter “A” is only one of the many forms of symbolism Nathaniel Hawthorne uses in his book, The Scarlet

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