scarlet letter

The Scarlet Letter: Symbolic characters Symbolic characters are very important in most powerful novels. One classic that uses characters as symbols is The Scarlet Letter. This novel is about a woman in Puritan society, Hester, who commits adultery with her minister, Arthur Dimmesdale. She has a daughter, Pearl, and is forced to wear a scarlet letter the rest of her life. Dimmesdale hides his sin and becomes extremely troubled. Hester's husband, Chillingsworth, takes it upon …

…sin, is acknowledged she is no longer wild and passionate but controlled, calm, and happy. Pearl is the symbol of hidden sin. In the Scarlet Letter, each character's symbolism adds a deeper meaning to the book and allows for more strong themes to be created or interpreted in the novel. Hester's crime, Dimmesdales secret sin, Pearl's wildness, and Chillingsworth vengeful spirit were just pieces of the puzzle, and when put together made a excellent story.