... causes her own emotional isolation. "It had the effect of a spell, taking her out of the ordinary relations with humanity and inclosing her in a sphere by herself." (40) However, the people's attitude does change. It goes through various roller-coasters of positive and negative meanings throughout the course of the novel. The symbolism of the scarlet letter is expanded in Chapter Five, Hester at Her Needle. Whereas at ... meanings. The letter begins to represent the hidden shame of the community. This shame is shown through Hester's reactions around the community, like when she almost co...

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