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Symbolism Of The Scarlet Letter - Papers Online

Symbolism Of The Scarlet Letter

Authors sometimes use symbols in their novels to represent
different objects, people or ideas. One example is the S on Superman's
uniform, which symbolizes him being supper. In "The Scarlet Letter"
Nathaniel Hawthorne creates the symbolism of the letter "A" to have
different meanings. As the novel unfolds, the meanings of the letter "A"
on Hester Prynne's bosom changes, from adultery to able to angel.

In the beginning of the novel, Hawthorne describes the letter "A"
that lies on Hester's bosom as a symbol of adultery. Hester is made to
wear the letter "A" once the town's people see, that she committed adultery
by bearing a child by some other soul than her husband Roger ...

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people are
astonished and startled on her beauty still shone. Even though the big red
letter on her chest stood for adultery.

As the novel progressed the meaning as the "A”" made a change for
the better in Hester's life. In chapters before of the novel the letter
"A" on Hester's bosom had negative meaning, but this time Hawthorne turns
the meaning around in the story to mean able. Now that she has given many
hours of time and service to the sick, poor and troubled she began to gain
respect from some of the town's people who once looked down on her. This
time the author shares, “Such helpfulness was found in her-so much power to
do and power to sympathize-that many people refused to interpret the
scarlet “A” by it's original signification. They said that it meant “
Able"...(158). Hester still held up her head and did not appear to be down.
She was trying to become herself again slowly. Once again the letter on
her chest changed from the meaning of adultery to ...

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Symbolism Of The Scarlet Letter. (2007, January 9). Retrieved January 11, 2026, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Symbolism-Of-The-Scarlet-Letter/58416

"Symbolism Of The Scarlet Letter." Essayworld.com. Essayworld.com, 9 Jan. 2007. Web. 11 Jan. 2026. <http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Symbolism-Of-The-Scarlet-Letter/58416>

"Symbolism Of The Scarlet Letter." Essayworld.com. January 9, 2007. Accessed January 11, 2026. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Symbolism-Of-The-Scarlet-Letter/58416.

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PAPER DETAILS

Added: 1/9/2007 04:26:15 AM
Category: Book Reports
Type: Premium Paper
Words: 624
Pages: 3

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