Symbols are commonly used by authors in novels to represent a larger theme or notation. In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel, The Scarlet Letter, the scarlet ‘A’ is used as a symbol to present the progression of Hester, the protagonist, from feeling embarrassed to embracing the scarlet letter on her chest. The symbol of the ‘A’ also shows the development of Hester’s community’s acceptance of her and her sin. In the beginning of the novel, Hester is portrayed as an abashed woman whom greatly regrets her adulterous decisions that result in great sin. As Hawthorne progresses the plot, Hester becomes less discomfited and more embracing of her badge. As the novel comes to a close, even Hester’s community becomes accepting of the scarlet ‘A’. Through the
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If they were resolute to accost her, she laid her finger on the scarlet letter, and passed on. This might be pride, but was so like humility, that it produced all the softening influence of the latter quality on the public mind. (p.156)
Hawthorne uses these words to express Hester’s newfound attitude towards her scarlet letter. She finally accepts her mistake and embraces it, along with its consequences; her scarlet letter and the accompanying embarrassment. Once they see her accept herself, her community begins accept her as well. Hester indicates her recent acceptance of her sin through her scarlet letter as the novel progresses. At the end of the novel, Hester absolutely embraces her sin, through the symbol of her scarlet letter, as does her community. When Hester returns to New England, her home, she remains in the same small cottage and keeps to herself. Hawthorne confirms Hester’s confidence and acceptance of her scarlet letter with the following quotation, Never afterwards did it quit her bosom. But, in the lapse of the toilsome, thoughtful, and self-devoted years that made up Hester’s life, the scarlet letter ceased to be a stigma which attracted the world’s scorn and bitterness, and became a type of something to be sorrowed over, and looked upon with awe, yet with reverence too.
If they were resolute to accost her, she laid her finger on the scarlet letter, and passed on. This might be pride, but was so like humility, that it produced all the softening influence of the latter quality on the public mind. (p.156)
Hawthorne uses these words to express Hester’s newfound attitude towards her scarlet letter. She finally accepts her mistake and embraces it, along with its consequences; her scarlet letter and the accompanying embarrassment. Once they see her accept herself, her community begins accept her as well. Hester indicates her recent acceptance of her sin through her scarlet letter as the novel progresses. At the end of the novel, Hester absolutely embraces her sin, through the symbol of her scarlet letter, as does her community. When Hester returns to New England, her home, she remains in the same small cottage and keeps to herself. Hawthorne confirms Hester’s confidence and acceptance of her scarlet letter with the following quotation, Never afterwards did it quit her bosom. But, in the lapse of the toilsome, thoughtful, and self-devoted years that made up Hester’s life, the scarlet letter ceased to be a stigma which attracted the world’s scorn and bitterness, and became a type of something to be sorrowed over, and looked upon with awe, yet with reverence too.