[转载]The Scarlet Letter象征意义
2011-06-23 08:28阅读：
Hawthorne was masterful in the use of symbolism, and the scarlet
letter 'A' stands as his most potent symbol, around which
interpretations of the novel revolve. At one interpretive pole the
'A' stands for adultery and sin, and the novel is the story of
individual punishment and reconciliation. At another pole it stands
for America and allegory, and the story suggests national sin and
its human cost. Yet possibly the most convincing reading, taking
account of all others, sees the 'A' as a symbol of ambiguity, the
very fact of multiple interpretations and the difficulty of
achieving consensus.
SYMBOLISM / MOTIFS / IMAGERY / SYMBOLS
The Scarlet Letter abounds with symbolism, which Hawthorne uses to
unify the novel and add a deeper level of meaning to the
story.
The Scarlet Letter 'A'
The chief symbol in the novel is the scarlet letter 'A', which
openly symbolizes Hester's adultery. For Dimmesdale and Hester, the
scarlet letter s
tands for agony, which Hester displays in her isolated life and
which Dimmesdale displays in his deteriorating health. By the end
of the novel, the townspeople think that Hester's scarlet 'A'
stands for Ability, for she has become a generous helper for the
poor and downtrodden and a wise
counselor
![[转载]The <wbr>Scarlet <wbr>Letter象征意义](http://kona.kontera.com/javascript/lib/imgs/grey_loader.gif "[转载]The <wbr>Scarlet <wbr>Letter象征意义")
for their problems.
This gesture of Dimmesdale's placing his hand over his heart is
also symbolic. It is the minister's attempt to cover his mark of
sinfulness and prevent his exposure. It also suggests his nervous
condition and reflects his grieved state.
The Scaffold
The scaffold is a symbol of penitence and God's platform on the Day
of Judgment. It is a reflection of appearing before the Almighty in
one's weakness. Because of the comparison, Dimmesdale has great
difficulty in standing on the platform and confessing his sins. He
first does it under the cover of darkness for no one to see him, as
if he were trying to hide from God himself. In the end, however, he
bravely stands on the scaffold and confesses his sin in the light
of day and before a crowd of people. The confession finally gives
him a sense of peace.
The Prison
The prison, presented in the opening chapter of the novel, is a
symbol of isolation and alienation, foreshadowing the life that
Hester will lead even after she leaves its confines. While Hester
lives in the prison of alienation, Dimmesdale lives in the prison
of his unconfessed guilt, and Chillingworth is imprisoned by his
vengeance. Pearl, alone, remains free.
The Rose Bush
The rose bush growing across from the prison respresents a constant
reminder of salvation and hope to all the prisoners. Later in the
book Pearl states that she was plucked from the rosebush and was
born. This symbolizes that Pearl is the key to not only Hester's
salvation, but to Dimmesdale and indirectly to Chillingsworth.
Pearl was born into a world of sin and for her to be saved,
everyone must find their salvation through her. It represents a
light in the darkness of Hester's sin.
The Forest
The forest is symbolic of Nature, both in its darker and lighter
aspects. When the rays of sunshine fall on Pearl but do not reach
Hester, they symbolize her inability to find happiness or warmth.
The pervading darkness is suggestive of the dull gloom in her life.
That darkness is dispelled when she meets with Dimmesdale and plans
to flee from Boston with him. As a symbol of her freedom, she
throws away the scarlet letter and undoes her hair. Appropriately,
a flood of sunshine illuminates the forest, dispelling the
darkness.
Colors
Hawthorne also gives symbolic meanings to the colors that he
employs in the novel. The dark, sober, sable garments that Hester
wears represent her dull and gloomy life filled with grief, guilt,
and sorrow.
In contrast, she dresses Pearl in bright colors, especially
crimson, in defiance of the scarlet letter and as a symbol of the
child's free spirit. The color of the letter carries special
significance. It is red because that is the color associated with
the devil, and the Puritans believed that Hester's sin was a mark
of Satan.
Ironically, the innocent Pearl fashions a letter 'A' to wear
herself, but she makes it out of seaweed that is bright green, the
color of life itself. Black is also used in the novel. Mistress
Hibbins practices black magic throughout the book, and many suspect
Chillingworth of doing the same.
An understanding of the symbolic level of meaning in the novel is
essential for a better comprehension of the book as a whole. The
discerning reader will find the repeated use of symbolism
throughout The Scarlet Letter.
![[转载]The <wbr>Scarlet <wbr>Letter象征意义](http://pinkmonkey.com/images/ad.gif "[转载]The <wbr>Scarlet <wbr>Letter象征意义")