Dimmesdale symbolically portrays Jesus Christ in certain ways. For instances, Dimmesdale's death marked the beginning of a new era, just as Christ's death marked a new beginning for all of those who believe in Him. Dimmesdale's death symbolically ends the marks the beginning of American History and the end of colonial history, just as Christ's death marked the beginning of the Christian church. Also, Dimmesdale mirrored Jesus Christ, in his teaching that to save your life you must lose it. Anyone that wants to follow Jesus must give up their life and let him lives for them. Similarly, Dimmesdale can not truly live until he confesses his sin, but when he fina

abundant use of symbolism. This background, together with a believable plot, convincing characterization, and important literary devices enables Nathaniel Hawthorne in The Scarlet Letter to describe the purpose of the novel when he says, "Be true! Be true! Be true! Show freely to the world, if not your worse, yet some trait whereby the worst may be inferred!"

the way Hawthorne leaves the novel open to be interpreted several different ways by his

The most famous symbol is of course the scarlet letter itself. Called, "The Elaborate Sign," by Waggoner, the letter A exhibits itself a number of times and in a number of ways throughout the story. The letter itself is red, which at first glance would seem to confirm Mr. Waggoner's theory that red in the story is a representation of evil. A case can be made, however, that even in the letter A that red is symbolic of hope and spirit. The scarlet letter is at once both the source of Hester's shame and disgrace and the source of her strength. Not only does it suggest the seed out of which Pearl grew, but also it is a symbol of Hester doing the right thing in being humbled for her indiscretions.

It is commonly agreed that the colors are used extensive in The Scarlet Letter as symbols. This is illustrated by the scene by the prison door, but the use and importance of the symbol grows as the book moves along. Pearl, is often identified with the color red, which Waggoner identifi

Some topics in this essay:
Scarlet Letter, Letter Hawthorne, Sign Waggoner, Initially Pearl, Finally Dimmesdale, Jesus Christ, Dimmsdale Hester, Pearl Dimmsdale, Hester Dimmesdale, Hawthorne Dimmesdale, scarlet letter, puritan society, scarlet letter pearl, marked beginning, letter hawthorne, letter pearl, jesus christ, death marked beginning, death marked, scarlet letter hawthorne, pearl symbol, character seen, christ's death marked, color red, constantly scarlet letter,