Symbolism in The Scarlet Letter - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 6 Words: 1658 Downloads: 10 Date added: 2019/05/15 Category Literature Essay Level High school Tags: The Scarlet Letter Essay Did you like this example? In terms of embroidery, sewing and clothing in The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, the aspect of embroidery seems to take a dominant role in how the plot pans out, how the characters transform and are shaped, as well as the the persistent main themes and points that are crafted through the use of this one type of form of art that seems like a simple act of sewing. The embroiderment on Hester represents her beloved daughter Pearl, while also her individuality, and to Hester, together they both are a reflection of who she is and all that encompasses her. But this symbolism morphes and grows into more than what we think it represents as she continues to wear it while embracing all that it brings to her. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Symbolism in The Scarlet Letter" essay for you Create order When we examine the circumstances Hester is faced with, she understands the shame and immorality of wedlock with the towns preacher. But, at the same time she had a choice to make where she could either wallow in despair and disgrace like Puritan society wanted her to, or she could acknowledge what she had done along with the consequences and move on to lead a healthy and happy life. Embellishing the A was her way of owning her mistake without letting it overcome her. By embellishing the symbol of her adultery and promiscuity with gold, Hester is most certainly reclaiming its power for herself. It was meant to be a sign of shame, so for her to own it and make it hers was to laugh in the face of those who condemned her to wear it. As it is described so ornately, the reader must know that it has more significance to it than meets the eye while reading. On the breast of her gown, in fine red cloth surrounded with an elaborate embroidery and fantastic flourishes of gold thread, appeared the letter A. It was so artistically done, and with so much fertility and gorgeous luxuriance of fancy, that it had all the effect of a last and fitting decoration to the apparel which she wore; and which was of a splendor in accordance with the taste of the age, but greatly beyond what was allowed by the sumptuary regulations of the colony (2, 10). Hester was not so much ashamed of her relationship with Dimesdale. Rather, she stood by him and protected him by not reve aling the true parentage of her child. Hester using the color gold is especially interesting because it may have been used primarily for more expensive or dressier clothing in her embroidery work for the townspeople. It can also be noted that Hesters proficiency in needle work has a symbolic meaning as well and can be directed to her independent character. The defiant spirit, which is clear when the book describes her with a haughty smile when she stands on the scaffold with little Pearl in her arms. This also compels her to use her needle to ornament with gold embroidery her mark of shame and to making a living scarlet letter of Pearl. Along with the symbols that are accompanied with the aspect of embroidering, lest we forget about the sewing needle. There is a significant connection that hints at symbolism with the needle that cannot be denied. Although Hesters skill at needle work is admired wildly and is always in demand, she is not being commanded to embroider even a single wedding dress. Here, needle work functions as a symbol, indicative of the attitude of the puritan settlers towards penance, guilt and sin. It does not encourage Hesters social position being restored among the townspeople, and there is absolutely no hope in sight for her scarlet sin being washed off. The letter A makes her social banishment painfully complete. The exclusion of her needle from embroidering a wedding dress completely symbolizes the harshness of the Puritan attitude. As Hester builds a new life for herself, her charity and precious work end up altering the letters initial symbolism that it holds. Some people even refused to interpret the scarlet A by its original signification (8, 3), which they essentially forget or choose to forget that its a symbol of her sin of wedlock with Dimesdale. Rather, they exclaim that the A stands for Able to imply that she is a woman who is readily able to do what it takes for anything. As the plot progresses and Hester continues wearing this embroiderment, the letter even grows more so to achieve a status of certain holiness. According to the text, it has the effect of the cross on a nuns bosom. It imparted to the wearer a kind of sacredness, which enabled her to walk securely amid all peril. Had she fallen among thieves, it would have kept her safe (13, 5). But now many years later when she returns and takes it upon herself to wear the scarlet letter again, it has become for her, and others, a symbol of grace. With evidence, it concisely portrays this grace within the letter, a type of something to be sorrowed over, and looked up with awe, yet with reverence too (24, 11). If our focus transitions back to Pearl and how she simply reflects the embroiderment as well as Hester herself, we can easily point to how Hester and Pearls relationship is. From the text, it is so evidently clear that their relationship is almost like an interlinked symbol in itself. They simply symbolize each other because when Hester, the reader or Pearl herself thinks of Pearl and what she symbolizes and means, we think of the embroidered A automatically. The same goes for the A, as the meaning behind it is about Pearl herself when the characters and reader think about that letter. From the text, we can see how the twos relationship is unbreakable and indefinitely strong even from the beginning of Pearls life, God gave her into my keeping repeated Hester Prynne, raising her voice almost to a shriek. I will not give her up! And here, by sudden impulse, she turned to the young clergyman, Mr. Dimmesdale, at whom, up to this moment, she had seemed hardly so much as once to direct her eyes (8, 24). With this kept in mind, we still know that Pearl is a constant reminder that Hester is a sinner. Pearl and the letter symbolize adultery and truth. Pearl represents the scarlet letter and everything it stands for. Despite this, it can be easily concluded that their relationship is strong and continues to be bonded through the sharing of the A. Since they both have a connection to it and realize its importance and individuality from everyone else, it essentially bonds them to be how they are characterized in the text as well as how they act and express their feelings to each other. Another important part of the text is when Hester goes back to her way of wearing the scarlet letter, due to her past playing an important part of her identity and creating individuality for herself. By simply embroidering the letter, it can be said that Hester transforms a badge of shame into a symbol of individuality. It just cannot be something that can or should be erased because someone has decided it is shameful. But there was a more real life for Hester Prynne here, in New England, than in that unknown region where Pearl had found a home. Here had been her sin; here, her sorrow; and here was yet to be her penitence. She had returned, therefore, and resumed, of her own free will, for not the sternest magistrate of that iron period would have imposed it, resumed the symbol of which we have related so dark a tale. Never afterwards did it quit her bosom. But the scarlet letter ceased to be a stigma which attracted the worlds scorn and bitterness, and became a type of something to be sorrowed over, and looked upon with awe, and yet with reverence, too (24, 337). What she takes on is more similar to reconciliation than penitence. She creates a life where the scarlet letter acts as a symbol of overcoming adversity and of knowledge gained rather than a sign of failure. She assumes control of her own identity and in doing this, she becomes an example for others. She is not, however, the example of sin that she was once intended to be. Rather, she is an example of redemption and self-empowerment. Through all of these various symbols of Hester and Pearl that have been examined through this embroiderment of the letter A, we see how these characters have their own symbols in themselves that are easily translated into the symbols of the letter. Individuality, sin, possibility of redemption and more are uncovered and are then transformed into changing meanings for these characters while they travel through their life with this letter. All classic literature uses symbolism in one way or another to embellish meaning and deeper analysis for the reader to further examine. The very basis of every character, their personal appearance and the way they act revolves around one thing: The Scarlet Letter in crimson fabric. The aspect of embroidery takes a dominant role in how the plot pans out and how the characters transform and are shaped. The embroiderment on Hester is simply a representation of her beloved daughter Pearl whom she has a growing love and of her individuality of this crime that becomes a deep part of her, which expresses her individuality. The letter and her daughter Pearl are essentially a reflection of who she is and all that she is. We do see that as the story progresses that this symbolism of the scarlet letter morphes and grows into more than what we think it represents. These persistent main themes and points that are crafted through the use of this one type of form of art of sewing and needles is wha t carries such a strong function in this book and with these characters. Symbolism in The Scarlet Letter - Free Essay Example Sample details Pages: 2 Words: 560 Downloads: 6 Date added: 2019/05/15 Category Literature Essay Level High school Tags: The Scarlet Letter Essay Did you like this example? In The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne uses numerous amounts of complex details and language to tell his novel. His use of figurative language helps tells his novel and set the mood for his audience. Figurative language and symbolism play a crucial role in In this novel, Hawthorne utilizes imagery and symbolism throughout his entire novel. His techniques help set the storys mood. An abundance of symbolism appears countless of times in many different forms. Some forms of symbolism in Hawthornes novel include his characters, items, location, and many more. He uses symbolism to create meaning and emotion in his story. The scarlet letter sewn on to the bosom part of Hester Prynnes dress, Pearl, the meteor, rosebush, sunlight are the many examples of symbols found in the story. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Symbolism in The Scarlet Letter" essay for you Create order To start off, the scarlet letter is probably the biggest symbol and most significant one in this novel. The scarlet letter is worn my the storys protagonist, Hester Prynne for her wrongdoings. It is an A that dominates most of her dress and its to be seen by everyone hence why it is so large. The letter A in towards the beginning of the story stands for adultery. She has a relationship with another man who is not her husband and the people of the town are furious. As the story progresses, we soon learn that the letter A also stands for able. The scarlet letter represents sin in this case, but in many other cases it portrays much more than just Hesters wrong actions. She allows her emotions to make her a stronger woman and later on the scarlet letter stands for hard work, righteousness, skill, and grace. Hawthorne writes, The scarlet letter was her passport into regions where other women dared not tread. Shame, Despair, Solitude! These had been her teachers,â€Å"stern and wild ones, â€Å"and they made her strong, but taught her much amiss. (pg 165) This quote talks about how how Hesters scarlet letter not only helped her grow as a person, but it guided her through the wilderness. From then on, she started to become a stronger independent woman. Many times though, her teachers would teach her wrong meaning they would misguide her, but Hester still found a way to be free and prosper and live her joyous life with Dimmesdale and her baby Pearl. Not to mention, symbols play a very crucial role in telling the story. Symbols could be metaphors or similes and can affect the story in many way. Authors use symbolism in their text when they want to form a certain mood or give off a certain energy. Symbols are short phrases or words compacted to hide and convey deeper meaning. It has an ability to represent ideas and concepts in ways other literary elements cant. Symbols helps readers create mental images inside their heads as they progress through the text. Symbolism shows a story rather than just telling it and without it, the story would be dull and pedestrian. Hawthorne uses this literary device to make the novels theme more clearly and visibly. To conclude, symbolism is an important attribute to this novel and Hawthorne uses it to create deeper meaning within his text. The use of symbolism within this story helps tell his story in a much more complex way and audiences will need to dig deeper to find the hidden messages. Symbolism in The Scarlet Letter - Free Essay Example Sample details Pages: 4 Words: 1181 Downloads: 7 Date added: 2018/12/14 Category Literature Essay Type Book review Level High school Tags: Novel Essay The Scarlet Letter Essay Did you like this example? In the American literature, Hawthorne has used symbolism in his novel, as to pass the message and keep the theme he applied symbolism in the novel setting, Scarlet A characterization and colors light. Symbolism is mainly depicted in different chapters, his ability to introduce and changing the symbols through the context is to improve the romantic novel. Symbolism in the Setting The Hawthorne setting is symbolic. The novel displays the scaffold and the puritan village market as areas with tight rules based on punishment, sin and individual examination.scafford is symbolizing the penance and humiliation since it is the place where Dimmesdale can manage to go atone for being guilty and thus escaping his tormentors clutches.the audience that watches at the beginning and the end was used by the author to symbolize rigid puritan perception for it is disobeying the law. Since the state and church are displayed as ubiquitous forces so as to fit in this colony .Hester is finding out to her dismay.Dimmesdale is perceive being a figure of public demand,chiilng worth at the beginning as a man of learning to be revered and Hester being an outcast. In the setting gloom and gray colors are used as the predominating showing that the. To explain this father nearby there is a place of freedom, a forest and a home to black man.Pearl seems to absorb the shining sun keeping it real.The author used the forest to represent how natural world appears to be controlled and governed by the natural law and not any artificial law.contraly to the Puritan community which is bound to laws. There is a brook providing a boundary between the two worlds where the pearl does not want to go beyond the boundary to the Puritan community when Hester beckoned. This forest is acting as a moral wilderness moment when Hester went to after being forced to wear the sign of guilty. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Symbolism in The Scarlet Letter" essay for you Create order In addition, as it is shown in the novel context the forest is acting like a place witches gather and souls can be signed away to devils, for instance, Dismmesdale is capable of relieving himself for making a deliberate choice to what he was aware was a sin. This aspect was therefore used to show that forest is symbolizing world of darkness and full of evil. To support this in the context miss Hibbins is aware of some people who perform satanic work in this forest again the forest perceived as a symbol of mans temptation. As we can see very clearly that AS Dimmesdale is planning to leave the forest he gets tempted to sin as he is on his way back to the village. Generally, the author used a symbolic setting to enable the potential reader to get the message as intended. Symbolism in the Light and Color Light, sunshine, shadow, midnight, and darkness are a manifestation of similar images. On the same note, specific looks like gray-black and red are playing a primary role in symbolic nature in the scenery and background. Although a similar character can appear in different colors it is the context that is determining the role the light or color is playing. In order for the author to ensure that he has relieved the darkening close of human sorrow and frailty with sweet moral blossom admonition is used to end the first chapter. In a chapter in the forest, there is a gray expanse of the cloud as Dimmesdale and Hester meet, there is also a black and dense forest where a narrow path passes. The natural darkness is reflecting the lovers feeling weighed down by guilty. Frequently the sunshine tend to appear in the setting Pearl is reminding her mother that this sun will never shine to Hester who was sinful. The sun is symbolizing happiness and guilty free approving gods and nature demands as we can see Hester because of passion let her hair down to get this light of grace and truth. In chapter one there is chilling worth a jail and the scene of punishment and sin. People belonging to the Puritan community are wearing a gray hat and the outside sunshine is reliving the jails darkness. For example, Dimmesdale confesses at noon since daylight is representing exposure. On the other hand, midnight symbolizes concealment as we can see Dimmesdale is concealing his confession from the society at midnight. Graves of the two characters Hester and Dimmesdale are in darkness. Generally, colors are playing the same role in darkness and light .red is predominating color as it is in roses and letters, scarlet woman and pearls clothing. The letter is being related to evil and darkness with physicians while it is forming part of awareness, part of nature and imagination. The meaning of the color is determined by the context as we can see gray and black colors are associated with the Puritans, death, sin, gloom and the path in the forest of sin in chapter 5,11 and 12 color image s are used in plenty. Symbolism in the Scarlet A The scarlet letter is a symbol of itself and has many meanings based on the context it is used in the novel. It is symbolizing penance and adultery. As the reader can see how showing the way Hester is suffering and loneliness and at the same time providing this characters rejuvenation. This letter first is occurring as a real object in the house preface. It proceeds and become elaborative gold embroidered Aover Hesters.The governess mansion has Hesters heart magnified in the armor breastplate. Where Hester is being the symbol that has been magnified the way her life is hidden behind the sign of the sin. Pearl arranges A on Hesters dress decorated with pricky burns a The letter is big red A in sky green A of eelgrass that is arranged. In Dimmesdales chest, an A is seen by observers at the day of the election and represented by epitaph On a field, sable, the letter A, gules (gules being the heraldic term for red) on the tombstone Hester and Dimmesdale share. In conclusion in the above three examples the meaning of symbolism depends on the context it is applied in and at times the audience or the reader. For example, in the second scaffold scene, the community is seeing the Scarlet A in the sky is a symbol of Winthrop the governor dying and becoming an angel.Dimmesdale perception on this is a symbol of her own sins. The community is viewing the Letter on Hesters bosom being a mark of punishments and symbolizing determine g other people from sin. Hester has a symbol of guilty and this is a fallen woman. At the later times, she visits home frequently in homes of sorrow and pains the A is representing Angel or Able and is rejuvenating and changing Hesters meaning in the community. Works cited Miller, Cade S. The Scarlet Letter and Novel Structure. (2016). Sivakumar, G., and B. R. Veeramani. Irony and symbolism in Hawthornes The Scarlet Letter.?  Asia Pacific Journal of Research Vol: I. Issue XXXVII?  (2016).