Symbolism in "The Scarlet Letter" Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter includes many profound and important symbols. This device of symbolism is portrayed well in the novel, especially through the scarlet letter "A". The "A" is the best example because of the changes in the meaning throughout the novel. In the beginning of the novel, the scarlet letter "A" is viewed as a symbol of sin. In the middle of the novel is a transition period …showed first 75 words of 1523 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1523 total…the retrieval of the letter helps Hester the most. In conclusion, the actions of Pearl, Dimmesdale, and fate, all return the letter to Hester. They return to Hester, both of which made her the sinner and the able. They also gave her a chance to fully resolve with Dimmesdale and her own Puritan community. In the end, the pain that Hester experienced when she finally refastened the letter to her bosom was fully paid back.