The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, delivers a powerful novel invoked
with symbolism. Centered on Hester, a woman branded with a scarlet “A” as a mark
for adultery, much of the Scarlet Letter’s symbolism grows from the cruel, and
shameful letter. The “A” symbolizes the “walking emblem of shame.” (Hawthorne
6). Throughout the novel, the brand of disgust evolves around the characters
influenced by Hester, including her illegitimate child Pearl. Even Pearl is
subject to the shame her mother has bore, and is also shunned from the strict
Puritan society. The close of the novel reveals that the symbol has given Hester
strength to redeem her sin, rather then brake her spirits. The adulterous mark
is almost replaced by the community as “able” due to Hester’s deeds to the
community. Scarlet Letter also uses nature's flowers as a way to symbolize
growth in the novel. The opening chapter describes a rosebush growing by the
prison. It shows how even a beautiful flower like the rose can be judged as
sacrificial, with its petals near the jail. This relates to Hester, as her
beautiful character is judged by sin, not by actions. Later in the novel,
Chillingworth, Hester’s husband, expresses to let the black flower blossom as it
may. (Hawthorne 14).
This reoccurrence of the flower shows how Chillingworth accepts his tortuous
soul. The flower's bloom is a direct symbol for the growth of character in
Scarlet Letter. Clothing is a final source Hawthorne uses to symbolize. In
chapter 7, Pearl is dressed in a red gown, with gold trim. The dress of Pearl is
almost identical to the brand Hester must endure, with her scarlet brand.
Chillington is dressed in black, which gives an insight into his sinister
character, as revealed in chapter 14. Also, the use of bright color, like red,
and gold expresses how different Hester and Pearl are viewed by the Puritan
society, which mainly dresses in plain, emotionless colors. The brand of sin is
reflected in all the aspects of Hester’s life, which show how clothing in
Scarlet Letter drastically reflects situation, and character. Hawthorne's
Scarlet Letter gives a tremendous impression on the reader, filled with
oppression, and historical opinion of the Puritans. Unfortunately, as the novel
appears to mirror reality, situations in the storyline leave the reader
skeptical about the actual ability to perform these actions. Hester’s sudden
removal of the scarlet brand bestowed upon her seems very unrealistic,
considering it took seven years to remove it so quickly, and carefree. It almost
makes the symbol of the scarlet letter obsolete at the end of the chapter 18,
leaving insinuation that the letter did not have as much influence as formerly
expressed. The Scarlet Letter also confuses the reader during chapters after 20.
The final pages of the novel give a completely different perspective. Generally
focused on the main characters, during chapter 21, and 22, the market gives a
more broad insight into the community. While it makes for interesting reading,
the sudden change of perspective leaves the reader strayed from the main
characters, like Hester, and Pearl. The Scarlet Letter is a very intriguing
novel, for anyone looking to find a tale of Puritan life, and the harsh reality
of the times. Overall, the Scarlet Letter delivers an exciting, and interesting
view for all readers.
Words: 551
