Nathaniel Hawthorne, a master of symbolism in American literature, uses a variety of symbols in The Scarlet Letter to add depth and complexity to the novel. A literary symbol is typically a concrete object representing a larger, abstract idea. Symbols in literature can convey moral, religious, or philosophical concepts, ranging from simple representations to intricate metaphors, such as the white whale in Moby Dick.
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Allegory and the Puritan Perspective
An allegory is a story in which characters, objects, and events carry hidden meanings, often to convey universal lessons. Hawthorne’s novel is set in Puritan New England, a society that viewed the world through an allegorical lens. To the Puritans, natural occurrences, such as a meteor streaking across the sky, held moral or religious significance. Objects, like the scaffold, became symbols of sin and repentance.
While the Puritans used these symbols as tools of moral repression, Hawthorne transforms their interpretations. The Puritan society views Hester as sinful, Dimmesdale as saintly, and the disguised Chillingworth as a betrayed husband. However, Hawthorne reveals these characters differently: Hester as a compassionate, sensitive person; Dimmesdale as morally weak and unable to admit his sin; and Chillingworth as vengeful, embodying the worst of human nature. Even at the novel's end, many Puritans refuse to acknowledge Dimmesdale's confession, showcasing Hawthorne's critique of Puritan values.
Key Symbols in The Scarlet Letter
Red and Black
In the novel, red represents Hester's passion, while black symbolizes sin and the devil. Chillingworth describes his and Hester’s shared fate as a “black flower,” a symbol of their sin. The inscription on Hester and Dimmesdale’s shared tombstone, “On a field, sable, the letter A, gules,” further represents this symbolism with the letter “A” blazing on a black background, symbolizing their shared transgression.
The Scarlet Letter
Initially, the scarlet letter is meant to mark Hester’s shame for committing adultery. However, it transforms over time into a “mystic symbol” with many meanings. As Hester grows and matures, the letter's symbolism evolves — it comes to mean “able” as she becomes a successful seamstress. At one point, Dimmesdale calls her an “angel,” adding yet another layer of meaning. Ultimately, the scarlet letter symbolizes Hester’s resilience and victory over the very forces that aimed to condemn her.
Pearl
Pearl, Hester and Dimmesdale’s daughter, serves as a living symbol of their sin. Referred to as a “living hieroglyphic,” Pearl embodies both the sin and purity in the novel. While Puritans view her as a demon, she appears as a nature-spirit to the reader, innocent and pure despite her “sinful” origins. Her name also symbolizes value and beauty, adding another layer of symbolism as she grows in a society that views her with disdain.
Dynamic and Static Symbols
Some symbols in The Scarlet Letter remain static, while others change according to context. For instance, Reverend Wilson consistently represents the Church, and Governor Bellingham represents the State. However, many of Hawthorne’s symbols, particularly characters, shift in meaning based on how they are treated by the community and their own responses to sin. Through these symbols — the scarlet letter “A,” contrasting light and darkness, color imagery, and the settings of forest and village — Hawthorne crafts a nuanced critique of Puritan values and society.
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