The Scarlet Letter : Literary devices
The Scarlet Letter is a notable literary work by Nathaniel Hawthorne. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, to various questions of The Scarlet Letter.
Literary devices
The Scarlet Letter “A” – Symbol of Adultery.
Pearl– Embodiment of Hester Prynne and Dimmesdale’s secret sin of Adultery.
The Color Red: In The Scarlet Letter, the color red is a symbol of Hester’s great passion and love, as well as her sins.
The Rose Bush: The rose bush is a symbol for Hester. Red roses are known for their great beauty like Hester. Roses are known to be able to survive through even those most difficult of conditions. That ability to overcome difficult circumstances is also reflected in Hester’s character.
Hester and Dimmesdale: Hester and Dimmesdale are symbolic of Adam and Eve, as well as the consequences of going against the word of God.
The Scaffold: The scaffold is a symbol of punishment and public confession.
The Sunlight: Sunlight symbolizes both truth and the grace of God in The Scarlet Letter. Once the truth of Hester’s sin is revealed in public, she then stands in the sunlight. Once Dimmesdale reveals his role, he too stands in the sunlight.