Symbolism in The Scarlet Letter

Symbolism in The Scarlet Letter

The novel The Scarlet Letter, involves the sin of a woman and her struggle to live her life after her child is born.   Nathaniel Hawthorne writes the novel in such a way, that the readers opinions of the characters are influenced.   One method by which he does this is through the use of motifs.   Several can be seen, a few being how the "A" is perceived, the use of light versus dark, and the use of iron.
First the "A" is meant to be a symbol of sin, and the damnation the wearer will have to face after death, however, as time progresses, it is seen as having other meanings.
Early in the novel Hester Prynne has to take her daughter Pearl to the Governer's house for an interview to determine her worthiness as a mother.   The bondservant who answers the door shows great respect to Hester, because of the elaborate "A" she wears on her chest.   The symbol that should have caused the scorn of the servant instead commanded respect.   Later in the novel, Pearl has made a "A" in hopes her mother will tell her the significance of the one she bears upon her chest.   Hester asks her what she thinks it to be, and pearl replies "It is the great letter "A."   Thou hast taught it to me in the horn-book."   Pearl sees the "A" as a symbol of greatness, being at eht beginning of the alphabet.   Once again the letter is seen in a much more positive way than it is meant to be.   In speaking of Hester, to the townfolk who know her, the "A" comes to mean able, because she is always helping people and makes beautiful embroidery to make money.   She is always willing to lend her services where called, thus the people cannot perceive her as evil, selfish woman they had punished so long ago.   Time took away the full impact of what the "A" was meant to mean, instead it is now seen in a more positive way.
A second motif used is that of the contrast of light and dark.   Dark is used to mean the covering up of, or the actual sin, while the light is revelation, or purity of sin.   Pearl, a very perceptive...