Scarlet Letter Symbols

1st Reading (31-58)

• Symbol: Puritan Hat
• Quote: "Sometimes the red infamy upon her breast would give a sympathetic throb, as she passed near a venerable minister or magistrate..." (57-58) The narrator speaking about Hester

Explanation

• I chose the puritan hat as a symbol because the entire puritan society has become a symbol for hypocrisy and hidden sinfulness. In this scene, Hester feels the sins of others in the town, showing that she is not the only one sinning.

2nd Reading (59-85)

• Symbol: fire
• Quote: "An imp of evil, emblem and product of sin, she had no right among christened infants." (62) The narrator is speaking about Pearl.

Explanation

• The fire is a symbol for Pearl. Pearl is not like other children, she is inquisitive and knows a lot. She especially knows about her mothers scarlet letter. Her comments bring much discomfort and tragedy to her mother, as a fire brings tragedy. She is a spawn of sin, which originates with Satan in the fires of Hell.

3rd Reading (86-116)

• Symbol: Serpent
• Quote: "Had a man seen old Roger Chillingworth, at that moment of his ecstasy, he would have had no need to ask how Satan comports himself when a precious human soul is lost to heaven, and won into his kingdom" (92) Narrator is speaking about Roger Chillingworth

Explanation

• Roger Chillingworth is sneaking around and doing all he can to make Dimmesdale miserable. When he finally sees the mark upon Dimmesdale's chest, his excitement is compared to a look of Satan. Satan is often referred to as a serpent, so I chose to represent this reading section and Chillingworth as a serpent

4th Reading (117-144)

• Symbol: Anchor
• Quote: "'Thou shall not go alone!' answered she, in a deep whisper. Then all was spoken!" (133) Hester is talking to Dimmesdal

Explanation

• The anchor represents this section. The anchor is a symbol for hope, and that is what the couple has as they plan to embark on a trip to a new location and to a new life. The anchor also represents the ship they will take to their new home.

5th Reading (145-179)

• Symbol: Fox
• Quote: "The law we broke! -The sin here so awfully revealed! -let these alone be in thy thoughts!" (174) Dimmesdale is speaking, revealing his sin to the town.

Explanation

• The fox is sly and deceiving. Dimmesdale deceived the whole town by sinning with Hester and continuing to minister to them as sinless man.