Symbolism in "The Scarlet Letter".

Symbolism is applied and represented in various forms in the novel " The Scarlet Letter." Within "The Scarlet Letter", Nathaniel Hawthorne expresses the use of symbolism to expose a deeper meaning in the story. The first and most obvious symbol that Hawthorne displays is the embroidery of the letter "A" given to Hester to wear as a reminder to the town of her adultery that she has blatantly committed. The second symbol is revealed in Chapter …

…formed the letter A in the sky. Dimmesdale interpreted that he must wear the A for shame, but the community interpreted the "A" for "Angel." Finally, Hawthorne reveals the scaffold as a symbol of punishment and public humiliation, which accompany the scarlet letter. Hawthorne uses many different elements of symbolism in the story, and shows how one symbol in everyday life can change from something negative, to a positive outlook on others and on life.