Symbols+and+themes+throughout


 * Symbols

Roses: the roses outside of the jail symbolize hope and life. It shows that even in a bad place there is something beautiful, something to look forward to. Night: the night symbolizes the lies and deception in this novel. It also can symbolize the immoral choices characters make throughout //The Scarlet Letter.// Pearl: Pearl represents Hester's sin with Dimmesdale. She is a living constant reminder of what Hester has done but, at the same time Pearl also represents forgiveness and redemption. Even though Hester commited an awful sin God still gave her a beautiful, smart, and healthy child. This shows his forgiveness for her mistake. Pearl can even represent the bond between Hester and Dimmesdale. The "A": in the beginning the "A" represented shame and impurity. It was a punishment, something to symbolize Hester's adultery. In the end the "A" represents strength and perseverance.

Themes Morality: Morality is a major theme in //Scarlet Letter//. The entire novel is about who is or what is moral. Revenge: In //Scarlet Letter// revenge is also a major theme//.// From the time Chillingworth finds out that Dimmesdale is Hester's lover he seeks revenge on him. It consumes his life and he soon dies after Dimmesdale does because he has nothing else to live for. The novel asks if revenge is really worth it and is revenge the most immoral action of all? **