Symbolism is very important throughout the Scarlet Letter written by Nathaniel Hawthorne. According to Henry James, the famous American novelist, he believes the symbolism is overdone. Others think the symbolism is just right to know what is going on through Hawthorn's wordiness. Throughout the entire book, Hawthorne used various kinds of symbolism. Hawthorn's symbolism helped make the story line cleaner and brought the characters to life. He often used symbolism to justify a point or to describe and idea. Hawthorns' symbolism also helped with understanding the character's emotions at that particular time.
The Scarlet Letter is about sin. The rosebush growing at the prison door symbolizes beauty in the midst of evil. The scarlet letter upon Hester Prynne's bosom, that is so beautifully embroidered, represents sin cloaked in beauty, and a secret for Pearl never to know. …
