Name _______________________________________________________________ Date _______________
Standards Focus: Symbolism – 16 thru 18
A symbol is a representation of an idea, person, or thing by the use of a picture or other object. Oftentimes, a
symbol can be a material object which represents an idea or concept that is not physically tangible. For
example, a heart is a symbol for love and a light bulb is a symbol for an idea. The use of symbols in literature
for a certain image or character is called symbolism. Symbols help the reader understand and remember a
certain character or part of the story by making the novel deeper in meaning and richer in imagery.
In The Scarlet Letter, the rose is a symbol for Hester or Pearl. However, in another book, a rose may be a symbol
for another character, or maybe even the idea of blossoming love. It could even unexpectedly symbolize death,
depending on the image the author wants the reader to perceive when the object is mentioned. Each piece of
literature will use its own set of symbols to represent certain elements of the novel as the author wants the
reader to see it. Remember, a symbol is not always something the author deliberately points out or mentions,
but it is usually something that must be concluded from evidence given in the text.
Directions: Complete the chart below by writing both what you think the symbol represents and why, and an example
from the text of the symbol being mentioned. Be sure to include chapter, page number, and a direct quote from the book to
support your answer.
Symbol
The Scarlet
Letter
Pearl (and
her name)
The Scaffold
What the Symbol Represents
I think the scarlet letter represents
punishment in general because it was a
punishment for Hester for the rest of her life.
Even though she loves Dimmesdale, she
committed a sin according to her religion. I
also think it symbolizes beauty because
Hester embroiders it beautifully and makes it
her own, like a representation of who she is
inside.
Support From the Text

Ch. 2, pg. 49 -- “so fantastically
embroidered and
illuminated upon her
bosom.”
The Prison
Roses
and/or
Roshbushes
Dimmesdale
holding his
hand over
his heart
The letter A
in the night
sky