Symbolism and Society in 'The Scarlet Letter'

Authors utilize symbols as an important literary device. They contribute to the reader’s understanding of the piece and aid in both plot and character development. A well-written novel includes many symbols that enhance the writing and create a deeper understanding for the reader. In the Scarlet Letter, Hawthorne tells the story of an adulterous woman named Hester. Both Hester and her bastard child, Pearl, are continuously persecuted for Hester’s sinful act. Because of her sin, Hester remains an outcast in the Puritan society. Hawthorne utilizes many aspects of nature to contrast Hester to the harsh expectations of the Puritan society. In the first pages of the novel, Hawthorne extensively describes the yard of the town prison. Hawthorne

As Pearl and Hester enter the safety of the forest, Pearl notices a pattern of how the sun shines and confronts her mother. She claims, “The sunshine does not love you. It runs away and hides itself because it is afraid of something on your bosom” (144). Hester has kept the real meaning of the scarlet letter from Pearl; however, Pearl notices how it repels the sunshine. The sunlight represents happiness and purity, which is why it constantly shines upon Pearl. She has no understanding of the meaning of the scarlet letter, so she remains innocent; whereas the scarlet letter deprives Hester of her purity and happiness. However, when Hester takes off her letter and lets down her hair it was as if “all at once, as with a sudden smile of heaven, forth burst the sunshine” (159). Hester’s virtue and morality are evident throughout the book; however, they remain clouded by the shadow of her scarlet letter. The label has allowed the Puritan society to shape her identity which hides her true value. When Hester disregards her label given to her by society, she remains free and happy. Hawthorne uses nature as symbols throughout The Scarlet Letter. The novels extensive use of symbols in nature helps to compare Hester and her moral character to the merciless standards of the culture she lives in. Each symbol reveals characteristics of Hester that differ