Symbolism in The Scarlett Letter The Scarlett Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, is unique based on a plethora of symbols and motifs. Throughout the novel, Hawthorne applies these symbols to represent the central themes in the novel. As one of the most creative symbolists in American Literature, understanding Hawthorne requires an in depth analysis of his symbols in order to grasp them accurately. Generally speaking, a symbol is a literary device that contains several layers of meaning, often concealed
anything nice to say and only had biblical lamentations. The speaker laments society and its morals while prophesying society’s downfall. Jeremiads are seen in The Scarlet Letter, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God”, “What, to the slave, is the Fourth of July?”, and The Great Gatsby. Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlett Letter is one novel demonstrating a jeremiad. The Puritans believed people were born sinners and maintained strict watch over themselves and townspeople. Hester committed adultery
Reading Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel, “The Scarlett Letter”, a very grave question pops up into the conscience of the readers: “What character in the story has committed the most sinful acts?”. One reader can propose that Hester Prynne was sinful for not only she committed adultery behind her husband’s back, but to yet entice a Christian Clergy. A few would argue that Roger Chillingworth would be hold responsible for planning to act on cold revenge against the adulterer. Despite that all two characters
In Greek mythology, the Minotaur was a monstrous beast part man part bull, which fed on human flesh and lived in a labyrinth in Crete. In Ted Hughes’ poem, the Minotaur is a symbolism of Sylvia Plath’s father Otto and a metaphoric representation of Otto’s rage, ferocity and terrorism of his daughter. Whilst the labyrinth is metaphorically speaking the complexity and madness that is Sylvia’s mind. Hughes begins his poem with lurid violence, anger and frustration. “The mahogany table-top you smashed”