1、The Symbolic Meaning of the Scarlet LetterHester Prynne always wears on her chest a scarlet letter “A”, which is the central symbol of the novel. It shows different identities of Hester. And the symbolic meaning changes from “Adultery” to “Angel”. I will analyze it from the following three aspects.1
2、. AdulteryDuring that time, the strict Puritans rule Boston and they punish the people who break their rules. Hester really commits a crime of adultery. When she stands on the platform, the letter “A” is the sign of punishment of her adultery, and the color scarlet is a symbol of sin. The scarlet lo
3、oks like blood and fire, which can be regarded as desire. There is passionate love between Hester and the priest, but it brings them misfortune. Hester has to wear the scarlet “A” as a punishment and she will never forget her crime. With the shame, she is regarded as a naughty woman. Red should be r
4、egarded as the symbol of love and life, but under the control of Puritan strictness, its a symbol of shame and punishment. When Hester first appears, she doesnt look like a criminal but a loving mother. She is grace and elegant, holding her baby to the chest. She stands proudly to bear her punishmen
5、t. That is impressive to me. Her spirit is full of disobedience and strength. In addition, from the words I can see the elegantly sewn letter “A” is an art.2. Alone and AlienationHester lives a lonely life without friend. Only her daughter Pearl accompanies her. Whats worse, because her crime is sti
6、ll within town, people insult her and treat her badly. Even children are afraid to get close to her. She suffers great from the mental torment. If I were she, I couldnt stand such kind of pressure. I would leave for a new place where no one knows me and begin a new life. However, she chooses to face
7、 the reality rather than escape from it. She is patient to those insulting words and even tries to forgive those people.3. Able, Admirable and AngleHester is good at sewing and she makes a living by making clothes. She makes clothes for the poor and sometimes she delivers food to a family without su
8、pper. She always helps others without expecting any thanks. Then many people refuse to see the scarlet letter “A” by its first meaning and say that means “Able”. Although Hester suffers from shame, hopelessness and loneliness, she still has a loving and kind heart. The towns people gradually realize
9、 her nature and change their attitude towards her. They no longer view the letter as a punishment; instead, they view the letter as a symbol of Hesters great strength and bravery. Towns rulers dont force her to continue with her public punishment. She is an angel to the town and people admire her ab
10、ility. The three changes in the scarlet letter are significant; they show the progressive presentation of her sin, her lonely life and her ability. She makes a mistake and suffers a lot. In the end, with her great efforts she becomes an admirable woman. I really appreciate Hesters strong heart. Only with a strong heart can she survive. I think we should have a heart full of love so that we can have strength from it.
