Assignment 2: Scarlet Letter and Symbols

The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne details the events of Hester Prynne’s life in regards to her experiences with adultery. The setting consists of a puritanical society, one based upon the expulsion and the covering of one’s sins creating hypocrisy among the inhabitants as they denounce each other for the sins that are found yes try to harbor their own dark secrets. What gives the book its flair though is the symbolism that the author has been able to spread throughout the story, most of which can be found in the second scaffold scene. Finer, minute details such as the contrast between light and dark and the positioning of these characters symbolize various concepts and ideas of Hawthorne. Likewise the more major symbol of the scarlet “A” worn by Hester represents one of the key thoughts, that salvation is found through confession.
The second scaffold scene of the Scarlet Letter synthesizes many of the symbols together to create one moral truth for the novel. The setting itself of the second scaffold scene holds a few symbolic meanings that should be taken into consideration. First it takes place at night, under the guise of darkness. Although the darkness itself hints at trying to hide sins, as Reverend Dimmesdale is trying to do, this is later contrasted by the bright scene of Dimmesdale, Hester and Pearl holding hands forming “an electric chain”. The chain itself is described with“vital warmth” and a “tumultuous rush of new life” giving the impression that within confessing one’s sins, as Dimmesdale was trying to do, there is an effervescent feeling of well being. The positioning of these three characters also symbolizes the equality between them. Together on the scaffold holding hands the three of them take responsibility over the adultery that had taken place between Dimmesdale and Hester. Unlike the first scaffold scene where Dimmesdale was high above upon a tower implying he was closer to God, he is now upon the same level as Hester and Pearl bearing his sins. Hester’s scarlet A plays an important role in creating a contrast between one who sins and one who confesses. Although initially Hester’s A had brought her dejection along with inconvenience it now symbolizes pride and recognition. Although the world now knows her sin she holds no guilt for what she has done after bearing the repercussions, which is shown by how she still does her work as a seamstress and how during the second scaffold scene she takes a more reserved role. Dimmesdale, although he holds no scarlet A and hides his actions, finds no condolence in this and actually has a harder time coping. He instead lives in dread of public exposure and holds anguish in his life while Hester lives relatively calmly signifying how salvation is found through confession.
The multiple uses of symbolism through the book allows for readers to interpret the story through their own thoughts and reflections. Although certain symbols such as Hester’s A for adultery are more pronounced, there are hidden symbolism that are sprinkled throughout the book that readers can look deeper into. The setting of some of the scenes such as the second scaffold scene holds much meaning behind them. Although they may seem small the hold their own importance by adding to the general notion that it is not the position that one has in society that leads to a closer relationship with God but how much one is able to confess of their own faults and wrongdoings.