Symbols and Symbolism in Nathaniel Hawthornes The...

Symbolism in The Scarlet Letter Nathaniel Hawthorne isnt noted for perfecting any famous literary style, for writing multiple best sellers, or even for contributing largely to classic American literature. His only real claim to fame is The Scarlet Letter: a novel that was originally only meant to be yet another Hawthorne short story. Because of this, it actually possesses many short story characteristics. It is simpler and more complete than his other novels. (James 285) It also has an excellent plot backed by an expert use of literary techniques. One technique Hawthorne used was borrowed solely from drama: the use of the aside. Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale delivers an aside in the midst of the action in chapter three,†¦show more content†¦At first, the scarlet letter meant Adulteress and was a sign of scorn. It was a brand used for easy identification of an untrustworthy criminal. But as time progressed, and the initial shock of such actions as adultery subsided, the townspeople, especially the wome n, took note of the fact that Hester had accepted the responsibility of her actions by sewing the scarlet letter herself. They also observed that she did so with unmatched precision. Eventually this made them yearn for needlepoint talent like she possessed. They began relying on her to sew exquisite patterns for them, gradually inviting her back in their society. By wearing the scarlet letter proudly, Hester had eventually changed the meaning of the A from Adulteress to Able. The townspeople saw Hester for her inner beauty, not for the scarlet letter forever branded onto her bosom. They realized the sacrifice and pain that she went through to regain their trust and respect. Gradually, throughout the novel the scarlet letter becomes an article of pride, and Hester a woman deserving respect. One object that holds great symbolic value is often over-looked and discarded as an unimportant detail. It is the black glove that Dimmesdale left on the scaffold after his night vigil of regret and guilt. What, on the surface, may seem as a minute, petty detail becomes rather powerful when the reader realizes that theShow MoreRelated Power of Symbols and Symbolism in Nathaniel Hawthornes The Scarlet Letter1833 Words   |  8 PagesThe Power of the Symbol in The Scarlet Letter All classic literature uses symbolism in one way or another. Nathaniel Hawthornes Scarlet Letter is no different. The very basis of every character, their personal appearance and way they act revolves around one thing, the Scarlet Letter. The scarlet letter is an A, in crimson fabric, worn by a Puritan woman for her act of adultery. Its very existence is solely to cause shame and remorse on Hester Prynne and her daughter Pearl, who wasRead More Symbols and Symbolism in Nathaniel Hawthornes The Scarlet Letter1157 Words   |  5 PagesSymbols in The Scarlet Letter      Ã‚   In nearly every work of literature, readers can find symbols that represent feelings, thoughts or ideas within the text.   Such symbols can be found in The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne.   Hawthornes book about an affair between a woman named Hester and a minister named Arthur Dimmmesdale is full of feelings of sin, guilt, hate, secrecy, and honesty.   There are many symbols within the novel that can be interpreted to represent the key topicsRead MoreA Brief Biography of Nathaniel Hawthorne856 Words   |  3 PagesNathaniel Hawthorne once said, â€Å"I do not want to be a doctor and live by men’s diseases, nor minister to live by their sins, nor a lawyer and live by men’s quarrels. 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He used many themes and literary techniques in The Scarlet Letter including symbolism and irony. He emphasized the individuals role in the community and the role of women in society. Hawthorne used romanticism as opposed to the classical correctnessRead More The Effective Use of Symbols in Nathaniel Hawthornes The Scarlet Letter694 Words   |  3 PagesUse of Symbols in Nathaniel Hawthornes The Scarlet Letter Webster defined symbol with these words: Something concrete that represents or suggests another thing that cannot in itself be pictured. This concept has been particularly applied to literature and used by writers throughout history. Nathaniel Hawthornes The Scarlet Letter uses multitudes of symbols in such a manner. One of the most prominent, and most complicated, of such symbols is the scarlet letter A. The scarlet letterRead MoreScarlet Letter And Symbolism1045 Words   |  5 PagesThe Scarlet Letter and Symbolism Nathaniel Hawthorne uses many forms of symbolism in his book The Scarlet Letter. Symbolism is, according to Merriam-Webster, â€Å"the art or practice of using symbols, especially by investing things with a symbolic meaning or by expressing the invisible or intangible by means of visual or sensuous representations.† This means that the author was using objects to represent an action or idea. The symbols used in his book is either all physical or visible objects. ManyRead More A Character Analysis of Pearl in Nathaniel Hawthornes The Scarlet Letter1494 Words   |  6 PagesAnalysis of Pearl in Nathaniel Hawthornes The Scarlet Letter Word Count Includes Outline at the End of the Paper The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a book of much symbolism. One of the most complex and misunderstood symbols in the book is Pearl, the illegitimate daughter of Hester Prynne and Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale. Throughout the novel Pearl develops into a dynamic symbol; one that is always changing. In the following essay, I will explore Hawthornes symbolism of Pearl from birthRead MoreThe Writings Of Nathaniel Hawthorne And Flannery O Connor1022 Words   |  5 Pagesthem. Authors like Nathaniel Hawthorne and Flannery O’Connor, writings often include many allegories and symbols to religious faiths. Nathaniel Hawthorne comes from a bloodline that is associated with the Salem witch trials in 1692. His great-great-grandfather was a puritan that took part in the executions during the witch trilas, explaining Hawthorne’s fondness with the religion. Nathaniel Hawthorne is known for his interest in the News England Puritan past. Most of Hawthorne’s writings implement