What is the main symbol in The Scarlet Letter and what does it
represent?
In Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Scarlet Letter," the primary symbol is the
scarlet letter "A" that Hester Prynne is ordered to wear as a punishment for
committing adultery. The scarlet letter is not only a symbol of shame but also,
in some ways, a symbol of liberation for Hester. While the Puritan society tries
to make her feel guilty and ashamed of her sin, she chooses to embrace the
"A" and redefine its meaning.
The symbol of the scarlet letter also stands for the idea of sin and redemption,
as Hester's acceptance of her sin allows for her transformation and growth as
a character. Furthermore, the scarlet letter serves as a reminder of the fact
that everyone has a hidden sin or secret that they are forced to confront.
Apart from the scarlet letter, other symbols such as the prison, the scaffold,
the forest, and Pearl (Hester's daughter) are also significant in the novel as
they represent different themes such as guilt, punishment, freedom, and the
human psyche.
In conclusion, the scarlet letter "A" in Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Scarlet
Letter" is a potent symbol that embodies the themes of sin, guilt, and
redemption while also representing individual liberation and growth.
References:
- Hawthorne, Nathaniel. The Scarlet Letter. Boston: Ticknor, Reed, and Fields, 1850.
- McFarland, Philip. Hawthorne in Concord. New York: Grove Press, 2004.
- SparkNotes Editors. “SparkNote on The Scarlet Letter.” SparkNotes.com. SparkNotes LLC.
2003. Web. 5 May 2021.