Symbols and Symbolism Essay - Symbolism in Nathaniel Hawthornes The Scarlet Letter :: Scarlet Letter essays

tokenization in the Scarlet Letter     Symbolism plays an important role in the Scarlet Letter. The scarlet A is employ to represent sin and anguish along with happiness. The A has different meanings to wad other than what was originally intended. The scaffold is used as a spatial relation of repentance and judgment by God. Pearl is another major symbol used as a reminder of the scarlet letter.   The scarlet A is the most important symbol in the Scarlet Letter. The letter A does not have a universally symbolic relationship with adultery. The letter A was the first letter of adultery and the Puritans put the negative intension on the letter. The community interprets the cosmic A as Angel, signifying the passing of governor Winthrop. The letter on Hesters bosom represented the sin of adultery, yet as that it meant different things to Hester, Dimsdale, Pearl, Chillingworth and the Puritan community. To Hester it represented alienation and unjust humiliat ion .   Hester looked, by way of humoring the child and she saw that, owing to the peculiar violence of this convex mirror, the scarlet letter was represented in exaggerated and big proportions, so as to be greatly the most prominent trait of her appearance. In truth, she seemed absolutely hidden behind it.   This shows how the community saw a sinner and the A, not Hester. The women sneered and jested at her in public and precious to take Pearl from her. The prison also symbolizes isolation and alienation. Hester lives in a prison of alienation and Dimsdale in his guilt. Yet later as Hester shows signs of low status by embroidering items for others and still wearing dim colored clothing, the community says her A is for able. To Dimsdale, the letter represents his guilt and agony. It constantly torments him throughout the book. It reminds him of his undeclared sin and also how Hester suffers for him. For Chillingworth, the letter is his need for revenge and he wants what is on the ministers chest expose to the community. He did not want this to happen as fast as it happened for the letter was Chillingworths life, and he died shortly afterward Dimsdales death because he had cryptograph to do with his life.