Motifs in “The Scarlet Letter” by Hawthorne Essay

In a novel of sin and redemption, symbolic representation is used to broaden the significance of certain aspects. Throughout The chromatic Letter, Hawthorne uses a barrage of themes, motifs, and symbolic representations. These images help to unify the novel and enrich the meaning behind the work. Early in the novel, Hawthorne refers to iron, oak, chains mainly to demonstrate the Puritanism that takes place in the novel. However, he also uses these symbolic items to display the bonds between characters and what they believe in. In the archetypal paragraph of the novel, Hawthorne describes the prison door which was heavily timbered with oak and studded with iron spikes (Pg. 33) to flaunt the austerity and illustrate what times were standardised right off the bat. He uses verisimilitude to liken the callousness of the puritan value-system to the portal behind which go the criminals who dont follow these guidelines. The symbolism in this situation is used to intensify the import ance of the puritan value orientation in the novel.To elucidate Hesters desire to move back to England, and her morals for staying, Hawthorne states that The chain that specify her here was of iron links, and galling to her inmost soul, that never could be broken. (Pg. 55) Even though she knew she could move back anytime she wanted, Hester mat up fervent on staying in New England to prove herself to everyone. In this upshot Hawthorne used symbolism to enact the bond between man and nature. Hester was bound to the land through a chain of fulfillment. Hawthorne also uses symbolism to crop a correlation between different chapters in the novel. On the first page, Hawthorne describes the prison door as a portal to doom. In The regulators Hall, Hawthorne described the Governors door as a door to liberty. If Hester lifted the iron hammer (Pg. 71) and entered the Governors home, she would be taking the first step to freedom from her sin. The last way Hawthorne uses symbolism is to il lustrate Hesters link to Dimmesdale.Hester knew there was a responsibility represent upon her which she allocated to the reverend. Here was the iron link of mutual crime which neither he nor she could break. (Pg. 109) This connection was what bonded the two together. Although all Hesters links to her world were gone, she would forever have the tie between herself and Dimmesdale, though an obligation to withhold, that would last forever. The Scarlet Letter used symbolism to intensify, explain, and link many things together passim the novel. Iron, oak, and chains are few of numerous symbols Hawthorne uses throughout the novel. Without therepresentation of these images, the trading floor would not have been unified under one central theme. The motifs in the novel branch out from one idea. The signs and symbols we recognize help us to appreciate this account of love, sin, and salvation.