Write a short note on using symbols in Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter.”

Answer

 Write a short note on using symbols in Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter.”

Introduction: Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804 –1864) used some symbols in his masterpiece The Scarlet Letter. The novel has many symbols, such as the rose bush, Pearl, the scarlet letter “A,” the meteor, etc.

Definition and Purpose of Symbol: A symbol is a literary device in which a thing represents or stands for something else. In literature, symbols signify the extended meaning of some images or expressions. Above all, the writers use symbols to make their writings more vivid.

The Scarlet Letter “A”: In the novel The Scarlet Letter, the single letter “A” has two symbolic meanings. The letter “A” symbolizes adultery or sin in the novel’s first part. Through the development of the novel, we come to know another meaning of the letter “A”. Gradually, it has become a mental strength of Hester.

“The letter was the symbol of her calling. Such helpfulness was found in her- so much power to do, and power to sympathize- that many people refused to interpret the scarlet letter A by its original significance.”

Meteor: Generally, a meteor is a small body of matter from outer space that enters the Earth’s atmosphere and appears as a streak of light due to friction. But in the novel, the meteor has an extended meaning. The meteor is a sign from God that reveals Reverend Dimmesdale’s sin to everyone.

Pearl: Pearl symbolizes the sin and passion of her parents. It is like a reminder that she can not escape from the sin her mother did. To Haster, her daughter Pearl is the most valuable thing. Haster accepts Pearl as a divine blessing.

“That little creature, whose innocent life had sprung, by the inscrutable decree of Providence … out of the rank luxuriance of passion”

Dimmesdale: Dimmesdale himself has symbolic significance. He represents a weak and self-centered character. Dimmesdale knows the truth but doesn’t dare to confess.

The Rose Bush: The rose bush symbolizes beauty, freedom, forgiveness, and kindness. It is mentioned twice in the course of the story. At the very outset of the novel, It is first seen as a way of nature to give beauty to those who leave and enter the prison. It provides a spark of hope for those who live in prison. The ability to survive the difficult circumstances of Rosebush is also comparable to Hester’s character.

The Scaffold: The scaffold is mentioned three times throughout the novel. It is seen separately in the book’s beginning, middle, and end. The scaffold symbolizes shame, confession of sin, and guilt. It is the place where Hester received his red letter “A” as punishment. Standing on the scaffold, Dimmesdale experienced his sin through meteors.

In light of the above discussion, we may certainly say that Hawthorne’s famous creation, The Scarlet Letter, is full of symbolic expressions. The proper use of symbols has made this novel unique and praiseworthy.