The Scarlet Letter: Symbolism

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symbol which is carried throughout the novel is
undoubtedly the scarlet letter A. It initially symbolizes the immoral act of
adultery but by the end of the novel the "A" has hidden much more meaning than
that. The "A" appears in many other places than on the chest of Hester Prynne.
It is seen on the armor breastplate at Governor Bellingham's mansion. At night
while Dimmesdale is standing on the scaffold he sees a bright red letter A in
the sky. While Pearl is playing near the bay shore she arranges some grass in
the form of an A on her own breast. But one of the most important A's is one
the spectators see burnt on Dimmesdale's chest.
The letter A also has a variety of meanings. Originally standing for the
sin of adultery it has a different meaning for each character. The Puritan
community considers the letter a mark of just punishment. Hester sees the
letter as a symbol of unjust humiliation. Dimmesdale sees the A as a reminder
of his own guilt. Chillingworth ...

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