Symbolism in The Scarlet Letter

        Nathanial Hawthorn uses symbols throughout his novel, "The Scarlet Letter." Symbolism is present from the first scene until the last scene. The novel is set in a 1800's puritan society, which Hawthorn criticizes. The Scarlet Letter is supposed to symbolize Hester's shame , which it does in the beggining of the novel. As the novel continues the meaning of the scarlet letter changes. It changes from a symbol of adultery to a symbol of independence.This is reflected in Hester's change of attitude towards society in the novel. At first the symbol burn's on Hester's bosom, but later she begins to feel proud of her symbol. Later the symbol represents status as shown by the Native Americans who thought Hester was a high member of society.  The scarlet letter also shows the puritan's society inability to punish adulterers because their symbols are unstable. This is shown through the novel as the meaning of the "A" changes.
       Another predominant symbol in the novel is Pearl. Pearl is Hester's daughter and the physical embodiment of Hester's adultery. Compared to Pearl the scarlet letter is meaningless, which further establishes the puritan society's inability to punish Hester. Although Pearl is meant to be a punishment to Hester, she is also a blessing because she keeps Hester sane after her conviction. Pearl represents her mothers passion and spirit because she is the product of sin, which occurred due to passion and spirit. Pearls existence gives her mother reason to live because she wants to protect her passion and spirit.Pearl remains a symbol of an unresolved mystery until Dimmesdale reveals he is her father.
       The scaffold where three of the most important scenes in the novel take place is also a symbol. In the first scene the scaffold symbolizes Hester's sin because she is being shamed in front of the whole village on a giant "A." In the second scene the scaffold symbolizes Dimmesdale's inner scar as Hester's fellow Adulterer. In the third scene the scaffold symbolizes the resolution to the mystery of who Pearl's father is because Dimmesdale finally confesses.