"The Scarlet Letter" - Symbolism

Symbolism is traditionally a sign or token of something. In the matter of literature, the definition of the literary device, symbolism, is more complicated. Symbols of literature are usually metaphysical. The main symbol of "The Scarlet Letter" is the red "A" that Hester Prynne was sentenced to wear on her chest. Nathaniel Hawthorne's intention was to make the meaning of the crimson token worn on the bosom of HesterPrynne is highly ambiguous. In this he …

…take with pride all the torment the townspeople could throw at her. Hester was also an able mother, nurse and seamstress. Despite everyone's talk about Pearl, Hester never let that interfere with her mothering Pearl. She was able to bring up strong daughter. Hester had a strong devotion to her work as a nurse. She also went on with her work as a seamstress. Hester's most important accomplishment was her ability to overcome her sentence.