The Symbolism Of Purity In The Scarlet Letter By Nathaniel Hawthorne

The scarlet Letter’s complexity ironically accentuates its multitude of themes. Hawthorne’s constant use of imagery, symbolism, metaphors, and juxtaposition in his work emphasise the message that purity can be obtained through an individualistic, transcendentalist ideology and that purity is nearly unattainable through a puritan society due to their substantial lack of individualism. His use of imagery is abundant throughout the book, however it’s significance emerges as Hawthorne explains the beauty seen in the embroidered symbol on Hester’s chest.
Hester’s bright red symbol of sin is embroidered surrounded by thread, seemingly made of pure gold in a way similar to her existence in the puritan society. The puritans see themselves as pure,