Symbols in the Scarlet LetterSymbolism is heavily prevalent in Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter. Some of the most important symbols in this novel are the Pearl, the scaffold, and the scarlet A. These symbols are all intertwined as each object is linked to Hester Prynne's punishment and sin. Pearl is the consequence of an adulterous relationship and will be a constant reminder of this sin, not only to Hester but also to the town as a whole. The scaffold is a white platform on which Hester had to stand to receive her punishment; however, each time the scaffold is displayed it provides a different symbol. The scarlet letter is a final form of punishment that Hester must carry on her chest so that the whole town knows that she has sinned. Throughout the novel, the symbolic meaning of each object will change, providing greater insight into the characters and sin itself. However, before understanding the novel, one must have a solid knowledge of a symbol. Each individual can define a symbol in their own way; Erich Fromm simply defines a symbol as “something that represents something else” (121). Perrine describes a symbol as “something that means more than what it is” (172). In The Scarlet Letter, an example of a symbol would be the letter A, which means or symbolizes adultery. Then there are categories of symbols. Fromm proposes three categories of symbols: universal, accidental and conventional. The pearl, the scaffold and the scarlet letter are all considered universal symbols. Fromm states: “The universal symbol is one in which there is an intrinsic relationship between the symbol and what it represents” (123). Birkerts states: “Some ambiguity is necessary for symbol creation... middle of paper... sin has occurred. Hawthorne assures that symbolism is prevalent throughout The Scarlet Letter. The novel is filled with countless symbols; however, the most central symbols are the Pearl, the scaffold and the scarlet letter. Each symbol changes its meaning throughout the stages of the novel. While most items start out as a punishment or negative symbol, they eventually become better, bringing hope and inspiration to all sinners. Work cited Birkerts, Sven P. Literature The Evolving Canon. Boston: Allyn and Bacon, 1995. 124-27. Print.Fromm, Erich. “The Nature of Symbolic Language.” Class Document: English 101. Cerro Coso Community College, 2010. 121-26. Print. Hawthorne, Nathaniel. The scarlet letter. New York: Penguin, 2003. PrintPerrine, Laurence. Literature, sound and meaning. San Diego: Harcourt Brace Jovanovitch, 1988. 172-79. Print.