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Symbolism
The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
Barry 2010
Symbolism
 The
Scarlet Letter is well-known as
containing a great deal of
symbolism.
 Symbolism refers to the use of
symbols in literature.
Symbols
 In
literature, a symbol is any object,
person, place, or action that has
both a meaning in itself and that
stands for something larger than
itself.
 A symbol might stand for an idea, a
quality, an attitude, a belief, or a
value.
Symbols
 What
does this image symbolize?
Symbols
 What
does this image symbolize?
Symbols
 What
does this image symbolize?
Symbols
 Colors
can be symbolic, as well.
Symbols
 Usually
authors do not explain the
symbols they use (although Hawthorne
sometimes does).
 It is up to the reader to interpret
symbols in literature.
 Symbols can mean different things to
different readers, and one thing can
symbolize multiple ideas.
 The only wrong interpretation of a
symbol is one that has nothing to do
with evidence in the text.
Symbols in
The Scarlet Letter
 The
rosebush p. 34
Symbols in T
he Scarlet Letter
 Pearl
top of p. 49
(type means symbol)
Symbols in
The Scarlet Letter
 the
scarlet letter
Symbols in
The Scarlet Letter
 Hester
herself p. 54