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Symbolism In Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter

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The Scarlet Letter is filled with many important symbols such as Hester's daughter Pearl, the meteor, and the scarlet letter "A" itself. This symbol "A" has a major effect on the plot, theme, and attitude of the characters in the novel. Hester, the protagonist, is forced to stand on a scaffold in front of the townspeople of Boston while wearing the scarlet letter "A" on her chest. She is wearing this symbol because she committed an act of adultery which is a sin in her community. Because she committed such sin, she is ridiculed and humiliated on the scaffold. Contrary to what is expected, Hester stays in Boston in order for Pearl, her daughter, to have a normal life and her love for Dimmesdale, the minister, as well as Pearl, also convinced …show more content…

After learning why she is bearing the "A", he dedicates his life to finding out who participated in the sin. Chillingworth believes it is Dimmesdale who took part in it, therefore he poses as a physician in order to become closer to Dimmesdale and get revenge. Chillngworth keeps Dimmesdale alive in order to make him suffer from his deteriorating health and guilt for his sin. One night while Dimmesdale is asleep due to Chillingworth's "treatment", Chillingworth discover the letter "A" on Dimmesdale's chest. This revelation solves Chillgworth's suspicions about who Hester committed her sin with, thus, his need for revenge increases. Dimmesdale is also affected by the scarlet letter. He too is guilt of adultery since he committed the act with Hester. Because he did not admit his part, he tortured himself mentally and physically. He whips himself with scourges and has vigils that include visions of Hester, Pearl, and the scarlet letter. His health is gradually getting weaker and he believes it is God punishing him for not coming forward with his confession. After years of self-torture and suffering, Dimmesdale confesses his sin during his Election Day sermon which relieves him of his

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