... well as her largest asset. When referring to Hester in the opening scaffold scene, Hawthorne remarks that "never had Hester Prynne appeared more lady-like, in the antique interpretation of the term, than as she issued from the prison" (39). The way Hawthorne chose to illustrate his character enables the reader to discern the author's attitude toward his subject. To Hawthorne, the A is a symbol used to develop Hester's character. It means "adulteress ... flames and passion of adultery. But through other likely answers to the riddle of Hester's A, such as atonement, ability, acceptance, a...

• Word Count: 1352
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

... on the inside. Right at the end of chapter 2, Hawthorne writes, "Could it be true? She clutched the child so fiercely to her breast that it sent fourth a cry; she turned her eyes downward at the scarlet letter, and even touched it with her finger, to assure herself that the infant and the shame were real. Yes!- these were her realities,- all else had vanished!" (Pg 39) Hester ... has no reason here to clutch the child ... that case they may not have committed adultery, but Hester still would have committed fortification, which is also a sin in God's eyes. At one point in the story, Haw...

• Word Count: 944
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

... format. The symbolism of the prison, roses, the scaffold, the letter "A," contrasts between light and dark, and the forest throughout the novel are the undefined characters. An understanding of these symbols is vital to a complete comprehension of the complexity of the story; Hawthorne technique of using symbolism is brilliant and it helps the reader understand the whole concept. In The Scarlet Letter, images increase the reader's understanding of the characters. The first chapter sets the tone for the story. Though the initial ... which he medicates Dimmesdale. While the Puritans may h...

• Word Count: 1915
• Approx Pages: 8
• Grade Level: High School

... in the Scarlet Letter The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne contains abundant symbolism, which is used to unify the novel and add deeper meaning. Although the actual "A" is the most obvious symbol, there are several others which have great importance as well. The most important symbol in the novel is the scarlet letter, which affects each character in a different way. The characters who are affected by the letter are Arthur Dimmesdale, Roger Chillingworth, Pearl, and Hester Prynne (Schneider). The scarlet letter ... her mother is given an opportunity to leave her mark of shame behin...

• Word Count: 1366
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

The character Hester Prynne in Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter first appears as a beautiful and defiant young woman, but as the story progresses Hester matures and becomes devoted and strong. The story is set in the early Puritanical colony of Boston. Hester Prynne is charged with the crime and sin of adultery, bears an illegitimate child, is made to stand on a scaffold to be publicly ostracized, and ... made to wear a scarlet A on her chest for the ... it was first a sign of an adulteress, then of an able woman, and finally "the scarlet letter ceased to be a stigma which attracted ...

• Word Count: 785
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

... elaborate characters in The Scarlet Letter is Pearl, the daughter of Hester Prynne and Arthur Dimmesdale. Pearl is involved in the complex nature of the story, as a result of her mothers adulteress ways she is shunned from society and even looked down upon by her mother. Pearl is the Human embodiment of what the Scarlet letter A stands for. Pearl plays one of the most crucial roles within the story, Hawthorne uses Pearl as ... Pearl really is(Baym 93). Hester is frustrated when everyday Pearl questions the Scarlet letter upon her mother's bosom. In making Pearl's garment Hester cleverly...

• Word Count: 767
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School