The Scarlet Letter Essay The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a novel, exposing a tale of sin, society, humility, guilt and humanity. It contains many rich symbols, which Nathaniel Hawthorne uses to represent these abstract ideas to his readers. Some of the symbols seen in the book are the rosebush outside the prison door, the scarlet letter embroidered on Hester Prynne’s dresses, the meteor seen in the night sky, and Pearl, the illegitimate …showed first 75 words of 728 total…

…showed last 75 words of 728 total…exemplify pure sin and humility. Pearl is a character conveying sin, humility, and scorn yet still conveying hope, love and happiness. And the meteor tracing the “A” in the sky is pure representation that Dimmsdale rightfully should take his place next to Hester and Pearl as an adulterer. The Scarlet Letter conveys themes of sin, remorse and society that are shown through these symbols used by Hawthorne to convey his own message to the world.