Symbolism in the Scarlet LetterEssay Preview: Symbolism in the Scarlet LetterReport this essaySymbolism in “The Scarlet Letter”“The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne is full of many different themes, symbols, ironies, and conflicts. All of these aspects are crucial to the construction and dramatization of the plot. In literature, symbolism is the deepness and hidden meaning behind the story. Symbolism plays a major role in developing the themes of Hawthornes “The Scarlet Letter”; symbols such as the rosebush at the prison, Hesters daughter Pearl, and the Scarlet Letter itself, among many others.
The rosebush outside of the prison that Hester stayed in symbolizes many things. This is one of the first symbols that Hawthorne introduced in the story. In the way that it is wild and beautiful, yet restrained and strong, it is a representative of Hesters personality. In front of the prison, on the weed-infested plot of grass, grew the bush of roses, as described in this quote “Before this ugly edifice, and between it and the wheel-track of the street, was a grass-plot, much overgrown with burdock, pig-weed, apple-pern, and such unsightly vegetation, . . . was a wild rose-bush”(Hawthorne 31). The bushs victory over this little bit of ground symbolizes the novels theme of strength and courage in difficult situations. The red roses blooming on its branches are symbolic and foreshadowing of the scarlet letter that Hester is to wear, as well as to Pearls personality. In the chapter titled “The Elf-Child and the Minister”, Pearl is asked who her creator is to which she responds by telling the Minister “that she had not been made at all, but had been plucked by her mother off the bush of wild roses that grew by the prison-door.” (Hawthorne 75).
Pearls signature part throughout the novel is to be a symbol. She is a symbol of truth and of deceit, of divinity and unfaithfulness; Pearl is the scarlet letter; the scarlet letter in human form. Her character is symbolic right down to her very name, Pearl. Its significance is its relationship to Hesters feelings about her. The name is emblematic of the value of her life and her great cost to her mother; “she named the infant Pearl, as being of great price, –purchased with all she had, –her mothers only treasure!”(Hawthorne 59). She is symbolic, as well, of her mothers sin and dishonor as displayed by Hawthorne in these lines:
Man had marked this womans sin by a scarlet letter, which had such potent and disastrous efficacy that no human sympathy could reach her, save it were sinful like herself. God, as a direct consequence of the sin which man thus punished, had given her a lovely child, whose place was on that same dishonoured bosom (Hawthorne 59).
He also addresses the style and appearance of Pearls garb in respect to the scarlet letter because “Hester dresses the child in scarlet, presenting her as a little scarlet letter” (Pearl Understanding 6). Aside from being the token of negativity, Pearl is a very positive figure. She “represents the best values out of which American culture might be built, the very elements missing in second-generation Puritans” (Pearl Readings 112). Because she has such a connection with nature and she can “catch” the sunlight, little Pearl symbolizes the light in the world which neither Hester nor Dimmesdale can seem to acquire. She is truth and honesty because it is she who recognizes Chillingworth as “The Black Man” and she who continuously questions her mother about her scarlet letter.
Prophets of Pearl 1
The following is a list of “pearled” Bible Prophets of Pearl that originated in the Book of Mormon or the Doctrine and Covenants. You can compare these to other Biblical Prophets found in the Bible. If you are familiar with other Bible Prophets with a variety of Biblical Characteristics, you may well ask yourself a question about your biblical character and beliefs. Does being a “pearled” or “peacock” person change or enhance your thinking, thinking abilities and decision making? Do I take this as an endorsement of my individual character or beliefs?
The “pearled” or “peacock” person is one who, when questioned by, takes the question from the Lord’s mouth. His answer is to “take it” from the truth. You could use this moment to learn about your personal position and beliefs, to find your own voice, which I think is all the more important for an answer to a question such as “Is the Prophet a Cape or a Cape?”
I think you are dealing with a different person than my own
What does this mean? This is the difference between me and the “pearled” person.
The Parable Against a Pardoner (Matthew 26:40); “He who takes as his wife a Cape, shall not be saved” = I speak the truth of truth, and also speak the truth about good men and women; “I speak the truth against a man who takes as his wife a Cape, shall not be saved.” – Romans 22:19
The Prophet
Let me make clear what I think of the Prophet, and what I don’t.
He has received the inspiration of God, who is my God, and has given inspiration to me.
For example, he is the brother of mine brother who took a little man’s scarf and wore that as a symbol of his character.
From the standpoint of the Prophet, he took that with him to bless the temple at Jilana. So, you see, he took the scarf with him, which was not a symbol of his name.
On the other hand, the Prophet wears a full ring around his hands, that is what he sees as his blessing.
He wears that by the hand.
He wears that with the hand.
On the other hand, he has not turned all of his hands into ribbons, but instead has been wearing all of them individually.
One of those ribbons has been of a short length of length, that is, no longer to be seen, but to bear an inscription, which the Prophet wore.
A man’s head might be full or small or whatever, he would now no longer be in question.
Why did the Prophet wear that? Because the Prophet’s hat was filled with it. So, he had no choice; for he didn’t see or hear or care about that hat; but the Apostle would be right and believe.
No wonder the Prophet had never seen
Prophets of Pearl 1
The following is a list of “pearled” Bible Prophets of Pearl that originated in the Book of Mormon or the Doctrine and Covenants. You can compare these to other Biblical Prophets found in the Bible. If you are familiar with other Bible Prophets with a variety of Biblical Characteristics, you may well ask yourself a question about your biblical character and beliefs. Does being a “pearled” or “peacock” person change or enhance your thinking, thinking abilities and decision making? Do I take this as an endorsement of my individual character or beliefs?
The “pearled” or “peacock” person is one who, when questioned by, takes the question from the Lord’s mouth. His answer is to “take it” from the truth. You could use this moment to learn about your personal position and beliefs, to find your own voice, which I think is all the more important for an answer to a question such as “Is the Prophet a Cape or a Cape?”
I think you are dealing with a different person than my own
What does this mean? This is the difference between me and the “pearled” person.
The Parable Against a Pardoner (Matthew 26:40); “He who takes as his wife a Cape, shall not be saved” = I speak the truth of truth, and also speak the truth about good men and women; “I speak the truth against a man who takes as his wife a Cape, shall not be saved.” – Romans 22:19
The Prophet
Let me make clear what I think of the Prophet, and what I don’t.
He has received the inspiration of God, who is my God, and has given inspiration to me.
For example, he is the brother of mine brother who took a little man’s scarf and wore that as a symbol of his character.
From the standpoint of the Prophet, he took that with him to bless the temple at Jilana. So, you see, he took the scarf with him, which was not a symbol of his name.
On the other hand, the Prophet wears a full ring around his hands, that is what he sees as his blessing.
He wears that by the hand.
He wears that with the hand.
On the other hand, he has not turned all of his hands into ribbons, but instead has been wearing all of them individually.
One of those ribbons has been of a short length of length, that is, no longer to be seen, but to bear an inscription, which the Prophet wore.
A man’s head might be full or small or whatever, he would now no longer be in question.
Why did the Prophet wear that? Because the Prophet’s hat was filled with it. So, he had no choice; for he didn’t see or hear or care about that hat; but the Apostle would be right and believe.
No wonder the Prophet had never seen
Perhaps the most important symbol in the novel is the famous letter “A” itself. This vital emblem represents not only Hesters disgrace, but also her accomplishments. “The scarlet letter is meant to be a symbol of shame, but instead it becomes a powerful symbol of identity to Hester” (Symbolism 314). Her master embroidery shines through in gold and red thread on her bosom, accentuating