Symbolism in The Scarlet Letter

Often in a literary work, the author strives to use literary devices in order to convey certain points to a reader on a different level. Nathaniel Hawthorne uses several literary devices to give his novel The Scarlet Letter depth. One of these devices is symbolism. Hawthorne utilizes symbolism to convey certain points or themes to the reader by using ordinary objects. Three of the elements he uses as symbols are the settings of the Puritan …

…his novel. Generally, the setting stands for the contrast or similarity of the Puritan ideal. It also frequently represents guilt and sin. The settings of the scaffold and prison are such symbols. The weather usually signifies some sort of emotion. However, in some parts of the novel it indicates a change of heart or rebirth in a character. These symbols, along with other literary elements, make The Scarlet Letter a very effective piece of literature.