Assignment #2: Analysis of symbolism in The Scarlet Letter

The Scarlet Letter

Period 2

IB English 12

Symbolism

             The Scarlet Letter written by Nathaniel Hawthorne is comprised into portions of symbolism that occurred throughout the whole novel. Although primarily focused on the sin of the two main characters of Hester Prynne and Dimmesdale, symbolisms had a powerful dominance and impact in the plot of the novel. Initiating from the prison doors where Hester was seen as a sinner to the public’s eyes and also the introduction of the first symbol of the novel, the scarlet letter. As the poem progresses, there are many symbolisms that Hawthorne uses to manipulate the idea of sin and identity as a whole. Many of the symbols include the constant appearance of letter “A” throughout the course of the novel, the daughter of Hester Prynne herself named Pearl, and the use of light and darkness in the novel.

             The scarlet letter is obviously one of the provocative symbols of the novel. From the beginning of the story, the readers had already encountered and witnessed the displayed letter of “A” on Hester’s chest. The letter stands for the shameful act of adultery that occurred between Hester and Dimmesdale. The symbol of letter “A” ironically contrast the views of Hester and Dimmesdale. The scarlet letter, as time passes by had shifted its meanings into a powerful stance for Hester in being able to be free. Meanwhile, in the second scaffold scene of the novel, Dimmesdale encountered the letter “A” as well up in the sky. The letter seems to ignite the guilt of Dimmesdale from being unable to proclaim the same mask of shame that Hester wears. However, the community interpreted the meteor as an Angel sent from above prior to the Governor Winthrop’s death. Furthermore, the symbol exemplifies the Puritan beliefs that the community had experienced to confirm divine sentiments.

             Symbol has also claim the character of Hester’s daughter named Pearl. Although Pearl is an innocent and adolescent character of the novel, she embodies the sin of Hester. Pearl creates the mood of Hester, the motivation that she has known as a blessing. The reader witnesses the idea of questioning the identity of Pearl for not knowing the mystery of her creation. Until Dimmesdale reveal himself as the father of Pearl, her identity will remain to be unsolved until the ending of the story when all the secrets and mysteries are revealed. Another symbolism that played a major role in the novel of Hawthorne is the use of light and darkness. To the eyes of the community, the physical entity is easily seen with the use of light. However, many settings of the novel are hidden in a pitch dark environment where reality is escapable to Dimmesdale and sins are easily abided. In addition, many of the scenes in the novel occur in the darkness.  Hawthorne cleverly uses symbols that seemed to spark the motivation of being free of guilt, the idea of sins and the true identity of an individual creating dynamic characters.