How Does Nathaniel Hawthorne Use Symbols In The Scarlet Letter
In the book, The Scarlet Letter, the author Nathaniel Hawthorne uses symbolism to bolster the characters and to help the readers get a better understanding of them. Symbolism is used by writers to better relate to objects. Some examples of symbolism would be in chapter 7. These would have to include: Pearl/the scarlet letter, the sunlight on Governor Bellingham’s mansion, and the reflection within the suit of armor. These three examples are the most paramount to help to reveal the characters and to distribute Hawthorne’s message. Pearl is a symbol of the scarlet letter. She was born due to adultery, which is the same reason as to why Hester wears the scarlet letter A. In chapter 7, Pearl is coincidentally put into a red tunic, “...arraying her in a crimson velvet tunic … and flourishes of gold-thread” (Hawthorne 92), which makes Hester realize that she is the human version of the scarlet letter. By Hester realizing this, it shows to the reader that Pearl can be a “sin” and a “blessing” all at the same time. She is the physical sin as Pearl is the true punishment of what Hester has to deal with everyday for the rest of her life. On the other hand, she is a blessing for she gives Hester a reason to continue …show more content…
In these moments, Hawthorne displays a rougher side of Pearl by urging her mother to give it to her. In the quote, “...‘Thou must gather thine own sunshine. I have none to give thee!’” (94), the sun is used to express happiness. By telling Pearl that she has none to give her, it implies that Pearl must find her own happiness. Although this can be taken in the literal sense, truly symbolizes happiness. Happiness cannot just be given, it must be achieved through life experiences. That is the message Hawthorne is trying to express within these two small paragraphs. Happiness is not an object that can be bought or given to, but rather
Scarlet Letter Ambiguity Quotes
907 Words | 4 PagesShe is responsible for all of the hate that is portrayed upon Hester. However, what pearl represents to Hester, is her wild side, how she can be herself and not care about what the town thinks. In chapter 14 Hester and Pearl are at the beach, “Hester bade little Pearl run down to the margin of the water,and play with the shells and tangles sea-weed, until she should have talked awhile with yonder gatherer of herbs. So the child flew away like a bird, and, making bare her small white feet, went pattering along the moist margin of the sea...the image of a little maid, whom Pearl, having no other playmate, invited to take her hand, and run a race with her. ”(154) Pearl is happy and free and influences Hester be the same way.
What Does Pearl A Symbolize In The Scarlet Letter
452 Words | 2 PagesSince Pearl serves as that constant reminder and she loves her so much, it acts as a way to help show Hester, and readers of the book, that while they may have sinned, they can still love themselves and see the best in the sin that was committed. What's done is done and nothing can change that and that should be
Pearl In The Scarlet Letter Quotes
581 Words | 3 PagesIn the Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, Pearl starts of as a secondary character as the novel progresses Pearl becomes significant to many of the key events of the story. Some examples of this are the scene in the scaffold at night, when Hester meets Dimmsdale in the woods, and when she makes the connection about the letter in her mother's bosom and the reason why the minister holds his hand on his chest. Pearl is a very intuitive, smart, wild and clever child; and at her young age is impressive how this child knows who to trust. She is acts as Hester's conscience as the novel progresses in many ways. Pearl is a very intuitive character making her more interesting.
Pearl Symbolism In Scarlet Letter
502 Words | 3 PagesPearl’s estranged behavior is believed to be a result of the way she was conceived through sin, which is just another example of how Pearl is the physical representation and constant reminder of Hester’s sin. Towards the end of the book, Pearl is finally allowed to be a real human being once Dimmesdale confesses his sin. In Chapter 23, Hawthorne writes, “The great scene of grief, in which the wild infant bore a part had developed all her sympathies; and as her tears fell upon her father’s cheek, they were the pledge that she would grow up amid human joy…” (Hawthorne 142).
Chapter 16 Symbolism In The Scarlet Letter
509 Words | 3 PagesIn fact, Chapter 16 is practically void of any text that couldn’t be analyzed as some form of symbol. Hawthorne develops numerous images especially that of the contrasting light and darkness and their relationships with Pearl and Hester, and how it thematically separates them. “The sunshine does not love you - it runs away and hides itself, because it is afraid of something on your bosom...let me run and catch it - I am but a child - it will not flee from me, for I wear nothing on my bosom yet” is a quote coming from Pearl in Chapter 16 which really shows Hawthorne’s emphasis on how “light” contrasts Pearl from her mother. Symbolically speaking, this represents the purity and innocence that separates Pearl from her sinful mother. This difference between the two is seen to be developed by Hawthorne earlier in Chapter 15 as well.
The Symbolic Pearl In The Scarlet Letter
748 Words | 3 PagesIn many parts of the novel she is described as a demon child or elf-child. She is mean, obstinate, and has a fierce temper. Hester says, “She is my torture!”(109) Hester is literally saying that Pearl is not only a blessing but also a curse. Pearl is often evil to everyone even to her mother, but was this Pearls nature, or was it just a reaction of her being isolated and looked down since childhood?
Light And Darkness In The Scarlet Letter
728 Words | 3 Pages“The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” (John 1:5). This verse has the meaning of all of the light or goodness shines in something that is evil. Goodness if the light of the world that shines in all of our sin. The Scarlet Letter has many accounts of darkness trying to drive out someone or something darkness.
Syntax In The Scarlet Letter
1592 Words | 7 PagesThe syntax in The Scarlet Letter mimics the previously mentioned dark yet romantic and descriptive tone of the novel. Maintaining its seriousness and formality, Hawthorne uses additions such as imagery, personification, metaphor, and symbolism to keep the book’s underlying flowery and romantic storyline. This complex writing style required Hawthorne to utilize very long and illustrative sentence structure. His dedication to detail is seen in his use of comparison to portray both beauty and ugliness. In fact, the only time we see short and choppy sentences is character dialogue and conversation.
The Symbolism Of Pearl In The Scarlet Letter
465 Words | 2 PagesThe townspeople often despised Pearl, due to her being a representation of her mother's sin. In The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne describes Pearl as being a real life image as adultery. Hester is constantly reminded of her sin, just by seeing and raising Pearl everyday. Though Hester is reminded about her sin, she takes on the task of being a mother of Pearl. Hester loved Pearl, even though she had to go through a lot to keep her.
What Does Nature Symbolize In The Scarlet Letter
224 Words | 1 PagesIn The Scarlet Letter, Hawthorne uses nature symbols including the forest, roses, sunshine, Pearl, and light and darkness to influence the plot and instills his strong romantic ideas to the readers. Through symbolism, the reader must think deeply to find the true meaning of Hawthorne 's words. Hawthorne does not depict wilderness in the same manner as the Puritans, but instead, Hawthorne’s portrayal of nature described in the story is more consistent with the romantic views of the middle of the nineteenth century when Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote The Scarlett Letter. Hawthorne uses nature as a romantic source for critiquing the Puritan society, its unjust laws, and the hypocrisy of the church. Symbolism shows the greatness of an author’s ability
Reading Response To Nathaniel Hawthorne's 'The Scarlet Letter'
1146 Words | 5 PagesIn the beginning of the book there is a long chapter giving background on the narrator and story. If it was not for his family he would not be in the position of where he is at today. This gives him a reason to be where he feels most connected and motivated. There was no negative tone toward his old job and workers, but neutral because he was not out there with his writing yet. In this story Nathaniel Hawthorne directly address the readers which can create a bond and connection with the readers throughout the book.
Flaws In Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter
631 Words | 3 Pages“The Scarlet Letter” is known as Nathaniel Hawthorne’s masterpiece and many have analyzed the famous romance novel, to figure out how it can be considered so deft. One of those people is Henry James. James discusses this novel in his scholarly essay “Flaws in The Scarlet Letter”. According to him “The Scarlet Letter”, is Hawthorne’s, “most substantial title of fame”(26). This article explains that symbolism, characters, and research play a significant role when scrutinizing the novel’s worth.
Romanticism And Symbolism In Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter
743 Words | 3 PagesNathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter (1850), is a worthy allegorical novel in which symbolism invades al its components. Hawthorne’s works belonged to romanticism or, more specifically, dark romanticism. The author shaped his own literary style. Although his writing style was viewed as outdated when compared to modern literature, he conveyed modern themes of psychology and human nature through the use of allegory and symbolism.
Symbolism Of Pearl In Scarlet Letter
744 Words | 3 PagesThe fact that Pearl is a symbol with the one soul purpose of reminding her mother of her biggest mistake, Pearl can be seen as an antagonist to Hester. Although Pearl is the only character in the novel who is truly innocent, she is quite an annoyance to her mother. Pearl is a sort of antagonist-protagonist. Not exactly an anti-hero, but close enough. Her mother fears her at some points.
Essay On Literary Devices In Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter
499 Words | 2 PagesLiterary Devices in The Scarlet Letter Literary devices are often used to capture a reader’s attention in a text. Nathaniel Hawthorne used many different types of literary devices in his book The Scarlet Letter. He uses symbolism to give hidden meaning to elements in the story, conflict to make the story interesting, and allusion to make references to historical events (ex. biblical references). While reading The Scarlet Letter, the literary devices did not jump out at me, but now as I reflect upon them they help me understand the book well. Literary devices can make a passage have a whole different meaning.
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