Symbolism in the Scarlet Letter         Symbolism is very important throughout the Scarlet Letter written by Nathaniel Hawthorne. According to Henry James, the famous American novelist, he believes the symbolism is overdone. Others think the symbolism is just right to know what is going on through Hawthorn's wordiness. Throughout the entire book, Hawthorne used various kinds of symbolism. Hawthorn's symbolism helped make the story line cleaner and brought the characters to life. He often used symbolism …showed first 75 words of 568 total…

…showed last 75 words of 568 total…career, standing and listening to him was Hester still wearing her scarlet letter, as if nothing had changed. This also symbolizes their connection.         Even in the end, the symbolism helps the reader feel the emotions of the characters. Reverend Dimmesdale climbs on the scaffold finally condemning him publicly. He opens his shirt for all to see the shadow the bears on his breast. Reverend Dimmesdale seeks public humiliation, retribution of his sins and then dies.