In The Scarlet Letter, Hawthorne creates symbols surrounding Hester Prynne, in which serve a deeper meaning in the novel. The actual scarlet letter changes its meaning throughout the story. In the beginning, it was a symbol of shame and sin written as," Ignominious "( Hawthorne 38,48) and " token of infamy" (Hawthorne 44). The author uses this diction to show the hostility Hester faces from the other Puritans as she carries the marking upon her chest everyday. During the middle, Hester learns to accept her "marking" and the towns people even question the removal of it (chapter 13). Another example of symbolism, is shown in Hester's and her daughter's clothing. When Hester is first characterized in the beginning, the author only focuses on
