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Nathaniel Hawthornes The Scarlet Letter includes many profound and
important symbols. This device of symbolism is portrayed well in the novel,
especially through the scarlet letter "A". ... In the
beginning of the novel, the scarlet letter "A" is viewed as a symbol of sin.
The middle of the novel is a transition period, where the scarlet letter
"A" is viewed differently.
In the commencement of the novel, the letter is taken as a label of
punishment and sin. Hester Prynne bears the label of the letter upon her
chest. ... She
stands on a plank where her punishment is given, "Thus she will be a
living sermon against sin, until the ignominious letter be engraved upon
her tombstone"(59). ... It is
because of this one letter that Hesters life is changed. ... The Puritans
view this letter as a symbol of the devil. The letter also put Hester
through torture: "Of an impulse and passionate nature. ...
In the middle of the novel is a transition period where the letter
"A" is viewed differently than before. ... The letter changes from a symbol of sin to a more vague symbol. ... At this point, Hester has learned to deal with the letter. ...
Another view of the letter is that it portrays guilt. ... Dimmesdale was overcome with a great
horror of mind, as if the universe were gazing at a scarlet token on his
naked breast, right over his heart. ...
After seven years of torture caused by the scarlet letter, Hester
tosses the letter aside for an hour. The return of this letter, however,
is beneficial to Hester. ... 185) The brook does not carry off Hesters letter,
and therefore, the disgrace of her sin is still close by. ... By
keeping the letter close at hand, Hester may still return to her rightful
place in shame.
Approximate Word count = 1478
Approximate Pages = 5.9
(250 words per page double spaced)
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