Nathaniel Hawthornes The Scarlet Letter starts with a chapter that shows a lonely rosebush standing before a grimy prison. It is there to represent “some sweet and moral blossom” or “relieve the darkness of a tale involving human weakness and sorrow” (Hawthorne56). As a symbol of beauty, solitude, and redemption, the rosebush serves as an ode to beauty and solitude. Hester is a rosebush because of her inner beauty and growth following her confession to adultery. She also displays a passionate, brazen countenance despite her strict exterior. Dimmesdale, on the other hand, is the prison. He keeps his guilt about adultery in his own head and allows his soul to decay. Hawthorne conveys the universal theme of unconfessed, soul-destroying sin through a combination of powerful symbolism and Biblical allusions.
Hawthorne uses Hester’s Scarlet Letter, her punishment for adultery, as an effective symbol. This contrasts with the hidden letter Dimmesdale must face because of his hidden guilt. The first scaffold scene shows Hester before anyone else has ever seen her. One young woman tells her neighbours that Hester will cover the mark “as she will”, (60). This illustrates Hester’s shame regardless of whether she has to wear it. Dimmesdale, however, doesn’t confess to his sin and has no letter to shame him. Dimmesdale, however, is not able to shake the dark tone. His hidden scarlet letter gives Dimmesdale “an apprehensive look, a startled look, and a half-frightened face” (76). He is described by his peers as “a being who feels himself quite astray” and lost in the human experience, and can only find peace and security in solitude (76). Hawthorne also uses the symbol of sin to convey his conviction that unconfessed guilt can lead to the destruction of the human soul. Hester is honest with God from the start and is open with her neighbors. The scarlet letter forces Hester into isolation within her Puritanical society. The scarlet letter allowed Hester to gain a sympathy for the sins of others and to understand that truth could be found in all people. This realization, the awakening of her reality, allows Hester, despite the limitations of the Puritanical society, to grow and be more than she was before. This stagnation is exemplified by Dimmesdale, who does not grow in character and does not acquire new morality until his confession. He is now completely depressed from his guilt, and he dies in Hester’s arms. This is because Dimmesdale is incapable of growing and developing new morality until Hester confesses. Hawthorne has captured the prison in a darkly drab way, which is perfect for illustrating Hester’s life. Hester’s sinful nature and Hester are defilements of Puritanical society. However, Hester’s growth, compassion, and sympathy seem incompatible with the purity of society. Hester, who is the rosebush, stands out in a society that is governed by paradoxical morals and is confined to a dull, dreary prison. In reality, society is nothing more than a “thronging of bearded, gray-colored, steeple-crowned hat-wearing men intermixed amongst women, some wearing jackets, others bareheaded.” (55). The society is a crowded place with no individual and everyone seems to be living the same miserable existence as Puritanical piety. It is said that the prison has weather-stains and other signs of age. This gave the prison a darker appearance (56). Again, the prison is a reflection of the decrepit and dark state of society. The rosebush, which “is almost at the threshold”, has been described as being “covered in June with its delicate jewels” (56). This parallels Hester’s metaphorical blossoming due her realizations that all humans are guilty. Hester is the only individual who can stand out in beauty, vigor and strength in society. She is not credited. Hester then confirms, at the close of the novel, that “the deepest heart of Nature [can] forgive and be kind” (56). It is this idea that Hester and the rose radiate forgiveness, and dampen the tones associated with both prison and Puritan societies.
Hawthorne uses imagery and symbolism to add to the darkness of his theme and tone. Hester is foreshadowed as Jesus in parallel struggles. Hester is forced by the prison guard to drag her scarlet letter from the scaffold to Calvary, where she carries his crucifix. Hester, however, maintains her dignity in brutal circumstances by walking “into open air” as if she had chosen to do so, just like Jesus did when he marched to his death (61). Hawthorne also describes Pearl as “worthy to be brought up in Eden; worthy of being left there to play with the angels after all the first parents have been expelled” (104). Pearl, who represents purity and innocence, is worthy to live among angels. Pearl, the symbol of purity and confession, provides the only optimistic tone in the novel. Pearl’s purity and innocence are based on Hester’s confession.
Hawthorne uses pervasive symbolism and contrast imagery as well as Biblical allusions to create a dark and critical tone. She also speaks to the universal theme of unconfessed sin destroying the soul. Hester is a symbol that Hester has grown from her unconfessed guilt. Dimmesdale is the result of the destruction of the human spirit due to unconfessed Sin. Hawthorne is a dark and despairing voice regarding Dimmesdale. Pearl is hopeful and accepting. He clearly believes that confession of sin will revive the soul and promote empathy.
