The Scarlet Letter

Nathaniel Hawthorne used symbolism a great deal in many of his works, including Rappachini’s Daughter and “The Ministers Black Veil”, but most prominently in The Scarlet Letter. There are differences between Hawthorne’s symbolism and “conventional” symbolism, Hawthorne flatly stated what his symbols meant on the uppermost level, when some other authors “beat around the bush” as to the real (or ‘subliminal’) meanings of certain characters, settings, and important events. The most important symbols …

…to understand, which is possibly one of the reasons that they are so meaningful. A very symbolic novel, perhaps one of the most relevant and well-written books that I have read, Hawthorne’s unique way of presenting the symbolism adds a great deal to the book, and its impact upon the readers. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **Bibliography** WORKS CONSULTED aol://4344:169.bar11852.1405512.528750303 (24 Oct, 1999) Hawthorne, Nathaniel. The Scarlet Letter. http://www.sd34.abbotsford.bc.ca/schools/rhss/internettool.html (27 Oct, 1999)