A Comparison of Hawthornes Works :: essays papers

A Comparison of Hawthornes WorksA Comparison of Hawthornes Works In both of Hawthornes short stories and The florid Letter, the author uses distinct symbolisms that have more than one meaning. In The Scarlet Letter, the red rose bush and the weeds located at the entrance of the prison symbolize both dependable and evil. Throughout the novel, the rose bush represents Pearl, and how good things can come out of bad experiences. Hawthorne suggests the red rose as being some sweet moral blossom, and represents Hesters relationship as a love both good and bad. Also in The Scarlet Letter, the garner A symbolizes more than one thing. The first and clearest form of the letter is that of Adultery. It is apparent that Hester is guilty of cheating on her husband when she surfaces from the prison with a three-month-old-child in her arms, sequence her husband has been away for two years. The second form that it takes is Angel. When Governor Winthrop passes away, a giant A appears in the sky. People from the church feel that, For as our good Governor Winthrop was made an angel this past night, it was doubtless held fit that there should be some notice thereof The final form that the scarlet letter take is Able. Hester helped the people of the town so unselfishly that Hawthorne wrote that because such helpfulness was found in her, The people refused to interpret the scarlet A by its reliable significance. They said that it meant Able So strong was Hester Prynne, with a womans strength. While the letter A is a most complex and misunderstood symbol, Pearl is counterbalance more so. Throughout the story, she develops into a dynamic symbol - one that is always changing. Gods treatment of Hester for her sin was quite different than just a forcible keepsake He gave Hester the punishment of bearing a very unique child which she named Pearl. This punishment handed down from God was a constant mental and physical reminder to Hester of what she had done wrong, a nd she could not escape it. In this aspect, Pearl symbolized Gods way of punishing Hester for adultery. In Hawthornes short stories, The Ministers Black Veil, in particular, the black veil timid by the minister suggests more than one meaning. It shows sin, darkness, concealment, and death all in one.