Symbols in The Scarlett Letter

Symbols in The Scarlet Letter

Symbolism is strongly prevalent throughout Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter. Some of the most important symbols in this novel are Pearl, the scaffold, and the scarlet A. These symbols are all entwined together because each object relates to the punishment and sin of Hester Prynne. Pearl is the consequence of an adulterous relationship and will constantly be a reminder of that sin, not only to Hester but also to the town as a whole. The scaffold is a hoary platform on which Hester had to stand to receive her punishment; however, each time the scaffold is shown, it provides for a different symbol. The scarlet letter is one last form of punishment that Hester must wear upon her chest so the whole town will know she has sinned. Throughout the novel the symbolic meaning of each object will change, providing an improved outlook on the characters and the sin itself. Nonetheless before understanding the novel, one must have a firm knowledge of a symbol.

Each individual can define a symbol in his or her own way; Erich Fromm simply defines a symbol as “something that stands for something else” (121). Perrine describes a symbol as “something that means more than what it is” (172). In The Scarlet Letter, an example of a symbol would be the letter A, which means or symbolizes adultery. Then there are categories of symbols. Fromm provides three categories of symbols: universal, accidental, and conventional. Pearl, the scaffold, and the scarlet letter are all considered universal symbols. Fromm states, “The universal symbol is one in which there is an intrinsic relationship between the symbol and that which it represents” (123). Birkerts argues, “A certain ambiguity is necessary for the symbol-making p...

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... the sin occurred.

Hawthorne assures that symbolism is prevalent throughout The Scarlet Letter. The novel is filled with countless symbols; however, the most central symbols are Pearl, the scaffold, and the scarlet letter. Each symbol changes significance throughout stages of the novel. Whereas most of the objects started out as a punishment, or a negative symbol, they ultimately improve, providing hope and inspiration for all sinners.

Work Cited

Birkerts, Sven P. Literature The Evolving Canon. Boston: Allyn and Bacon, 1995. 124-27. Print.

Fromm, Erich. “The Nature of Symbolic Language.” Class Handout: English 101. Cerro Coso Community College, 2010. 121-26. Print.

Hawthorne, Nathaniel. The Scarlet Letter. New York: Penguin, 2003. Print

Perrine, Laurence. Literature, Sound, and Sense. San Diego: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1988. 172-79. Print.