The Symbolic Meaning Of 'A' In Nathaniel Hawthorne's Scarlet Letter

In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter, the symbolic meaning of the “A” worn by Hester Prynne is central throughout the novel. However, the meaning of the “A” shifts in the novel due to society’s view of Hester. For many years after the Massachusetts magistracy forces Hester to wear the “A,” the letter maintains its original meaning: adultery. This accusation originates from Hester’s affair with Arthur Dimmesdale while she is married to Roger Chillingworth, resulting in her pregnancy. Although the “A” worn by Hester Prynne initially stands for adultery to represent her sins, nevertheless Hester ignores the shame society inflicts upon her because she strives to change the symbolic meaning of the “A” to something that showcases her ability to raise her daughter.
After learning of her sinful actions, the town sought to publicly punish Hester by forcing her to wear the “A” so that everyone she encounters is aware of the adultery. The town makes an example out of Hester by forcing her …show more content…
They said that it meant Able, so strong was Hester Prynne, with a woman’s …show more content…
Hester makes a living for herself, providing food and housing for herself and Pearl despite the way that they were previously seen in their town. Beyond that, the quote indicates the significant shift in the symbolic meaning of the “A” and how it changes Hester’s place in society. The people no longer view her as an adulterous sinner; instead she is an able mother. Hawthorne shows the shift by contrasting her earlier years with the “A” and the shame that comes with being labelled with her adulterous sin to the new meaning of the “A”