Write a note on the use of symbols in Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter”.

Answer

 Write a note on the use of symbols in Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter”. [2017] 

Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804–1864) uses symbols in “The Scarlet Letter” (1850) to convey profound moral and emotional meanings. A symbol is an object or idea that stands for something beyond itself. Hawthorne’s Puritan background made him sensitive to the struggle between sin and holiness. In this novel, he uses powerful symbols—the scarlet letter, Pearl, the scaffold, the forest, and the rosebush—to show guilt, punishment, hope, and human frailty. Each symbol reveals the inner truth of the human heart.

The Scarlet Letter ‘A’: The most powerful symbol is the scarlet letter “A.” It first stands for “Adulteress,” and marks Hester’s sin and shame. The narrator says, 

“It may serve… to symbolize some sweet moral blossom.” 

Later, the letter changes meaning and stands for “Able” and “Angel.” Hester’s pain turns into strength, and her punishment becomes a lesson of sympathy. The letter becomes both sin and salvation. Hawthorne’s skillful use of this symbol shows how human suffering can lead to moral and spiritual rebirth through endurance and compassion.

Pearl as a Living Symbol: Hester’s child Pearl is another central symbol. Pearl is both a reminder of Hester’s sin and the proof of her love. The narrator says, 

“ Hester called her; named “Pearl, as being of great price,—purchased with all she had.” 

She represents innocence born from guilt. Her beauty and wildness show nature’s freedom against Puritan restraint. Through Pearl, Hawthorne presents the idea that every sin carries within it the seed of redemption. Pearl’s love finally unites Hester and Dimmesdale at the end of the novel.

The Scaffold: The scaffold is a public stage for sin, confession, and truth. At first, Hester stands there for her crime; later, Dimmesdale confesses his own guilt upon it. It symbolises both shame and moral revelation. In the final scene, Dimmesdale dies there after showing his hidden scarlet mark. This stage becomes a place where divine justice meets