Symbolism In The Scarlet Letter. Symbolism Is The Use Of

Symbolism in The Scarlet Letter Symbolism is the use of an object, character, or event to represent something else. Nathaniel Hawthorne, without a doubt, uses symbolism throughout the course of the novel, The Scarlet Letter. The novel takes place in a Puritan community in present-day Boston. Hester Prynne, Arthur Dimmesdale, Roger Chillingworth, and Pearl are the main characters. They all have major roles and without them, the novel would not be the same. Hester Prynne; married to Roger Chillingworth, had a baby named Pearl out of wedlock with a man named Dimmesdale. Because Hester was married, herself and Dimmesdale have now committed adultery and that is the main cause of a lot of the major events that take place in the novel. As†¦show more content†¦Since everyone knew about Hester and her transgression, she was treated as an outcast by most which is where the lifetime of humiliation comes in. For instance, Hawthorne stated that people saw Hester as â€Å"the reality of sin† and â€Å"woman’s frailty† (Hawthorne 88). Innocent minded children began to think poorly of Hester because of what their parents told them about her. Hester helped the poor, and instead of treating Hester with respect and kindness, they treated her crudely and disrespectfully. Clergymen stop Hester in the streets and use her as a sermon. Puritan women who believe that Hester should have received a harsher punishment, give Hester vulgar gestures and make impolite remarks. In spite of the poor treatment and loneliness, Hester stayed content and just â€Å"turned the other cheek.† She was focused on her needlework and on Pearl. Hester was even limited in her needlework, she could not embroider the w hite veil in which a bride wears on her wedding day. This is because of the, â€Å"ever relentless vigor with which society frowned upon her sin† (Hawthorne 92). With all of the harsh treatment and separation from society, this is why for Hester, the scarlet letter â€Å"A† not only stands for adultery, but also as a lifetime of humiliation. Now that Hester and her perception of the â€Å"A† has been discussed, her ‘partner in crime’ Arthur Dimmesdale must now beShow MoreRelatedSymbolism, Use Of Color, And Themes Of Nathaniel Hawthorne s The Scarlet Letter1657 Words   |  7 PagesSymbolism, Use of Color, and Themes in The Scarlet Letter The Scarlet Letter is regarded as the first symbolic novel in American Literature for Nathaniel Hawthorne s skillful use of symbolism and allegory. The novel is also said to be the greatest accomplishment of American short story and is viewed as the first American psychological novel, which makes Hawthorne win an incomparable position in American Literature. Hawthorne’s â€Å"unique gift† for using this kind of skills taps into the roots of manRead MoreSymbolism In The Scarlet Letter1247 Words   |  5 PagesSymbolism in The Scarlet Letter Symbolism is simply defined as the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities. Symbolism is a common occurrence in literary works and many books use symbolism to express mystical ideas, emotions, and states of mind. As in most literary works, symbolism also appears in The Scarlet Letter. There is lots of symbolism used in The Scarlet Letter to convey multiple things and to express many ideas. Symbolism can be found everywhere in The Scarlet Letter and many ofRead MoreScarlet Letter Symbolism Essay982 Words   |  4 PagesThe Significance of Symbolism in The Scarlet Letter The Scarlet Letter, written by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a gothic satire of the puritan beliefs and value. 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The Scarlet Letter uses various symbolism such as ‘A , rosebush, the forest and more whichRead MoreThe Role of Color in The Scarlet Letter Essay973 Words   |  4 Pageshistory, politics, and religion. In The Scarlet Letter, the author, Nathaniel Hawthorne uses symbolism through colors such as red, black and white in the form of sunlight, to represent emotions and ideologies of Hester and the people around her. Nathaniel Hawthorne uses the color red significantly throughout The Scarlet Letter to show its importance of symbolism in the emotions of sin and passion that it represents. The first example in The Scarlet Letter is the red rose that is growing by the prisonRead MoreThe Scarlet Letter, By Nathaniel Hawthorne919 Words   |  4 Pageslife has just one meaning. Symbolism occurs in everyday ordinary life. One of the most recognizable stories that contain symbolism in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s â€Å"The Scarlet Letter†. Symbolism is when an object is used in place of a different object. Nathaniel Hawthorne is one of the most symbolic writers in all of American history. In â€Å"The Scarlet Letter†, the letter â€Å"A† is used to symbolize a variety of different concepts. The three major symbolistic ideas that the letter â€Å"A† represents in NathanielRead MoreDifferent Interpretations Of The Scarlet Letter1609 Words   |  7 PagesDifferent Interpr etations of The Scarlet Letter Symbolism is everywhere around us in our daily lives, even if you don’t notice it right away. Traffic signs, company names, and even colors can all be examples of symbolism. Dr. Stephanie Carrez’ article, Symbol and Interpretation, focuses on and interprets the different types of symbolism in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel, The Scarlet Letter. Focusing mainly on the characters Hester and Pearl, Carrez’ article brings symbolism to a new light as she interpretsRead More Symbols and Symbolism in Nathaniel Hawthornes The Scarlet Letter1178 Words   |  5 PagesSymbolism   in The Scarlet Letter Nathaniel Hawthorne isnt noted for perfecting any famous literary style, for writing multiple best sellers, or even for contributing largely to classic American literature.   His only real claim to fame is The Scarlet Letter: a novel that was originally only meant to be yet another Hawthorne short story.   Because of this, it actually possesses many short story characteristics.   It is simpler and more complete than his other novels. (James 285)   It also hasRead MoreSymbolism Of The Scarlet Letter By Nathaniel Hawthorne1464 Words   |  6 PagesNicholas Markle Mrs. Voshell Honors English 10 6 January 2017 Symbolism in the Scarlet Letter In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s book, The Scarlet Letter, symbolism is used to give the reader an in-depth understanding into the events that take place in the story. There are several symbols that Hawthorne uses to give meaning to the people, places, and things throughout the story. In The Scarlet Letter, Hester Prynne’s husband disappears and is thought to be dead. She has a child with Dimmesdale, Hester’sRead MoreSymbolism By Nathaniel Hawthorne s The Scarlet Letter1140 Words   |  5 PagesSymbolism; the use of symbols to represent something abstract by something concrete. It can be powerful in a novel when used correctly. Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter is a prime example of Symbolism being used creatively in a work.This is what Hyatt H. Waggoner has to say about the Hawthornes creativity.† But in between the surface and the depths movement is constant and complex, and it is in this middle that the principal value of the work lies.†(Wa ggoner 73)What Waggoner is talking about