A.

The Rosebush An important symbol in the story is the beautiful rosebush descriptively described as having delicate gems outside the lifeless and gloomy prison doors. The author uses descriptive diction to compare the roses on the rosebush to gems. In doing so, the plant becomes a symbol that contrasts the dullness of the jail to the beauty in nature. The rosebush symbolizes natures kindness and goodness in hard times. It was thought to offer some sympathy to the prisoners that entered the prison and those who came forth to his doom. When everyone else had turned on the prisoners because of the sins they committed, nature still showed affection. In this way nature was showing its kindness and offering some pity. The rosebush symbolizes the little bit optimism in the world and shows the reader that even in the darkest of times there is always a small glimpse of hope. In the novel, Hester eventually saw hope even in her darkest and neglected times. She started to see herself in a new light making her a happier, stronger, and independent person. The Meteor One night, Dimmesdale almost unconsciously decides to make his way to the same scaffold that Hester had lived through her first hour of public ignominy. While the town was asleep and the sky was dark, Dimmesdale stood on the scaffold full of pity and self hatred for the cause Hester to be ostracized from society. In his anger and depression, Dimmesdale shrieked into the lifeless night and much to his

surprise no one awoke or responding to it. The only person to be found was Dimmesdales close friend, Reverend Mr. Wilson who had been praying near by at the death chamber of Governor Winthrop, who had just passed away. After Mr. Wilson leaves Dimmesdale starts to go mad thinking of all the bad things that could happen to him if the town found out his sin as well. Just as hes deep in thought he hears the airy, childish laughter of a little girl that he recognizes as Pearl. Hester was also mourning at the governors grave. Pearl asks the minister to stay with her and Hester until the sun rises for the whole town to see but Dimmesdale cowardly declines making Pearl pull away her hand. He says one day they will and they will be reunited again. Just as Dimmesdale says this a light gleamed far and wide over the muffled sky. It was a radiant and powerful meteor that lit up the city like an enormous lamp almost acting as the sun during mid-day. With his hand heavily over his heart, the minister stood on the scaffold with Hester and Pearl and the light from the meteor lit up Hesters scarlet letter. Pearl appeared to be a link between the two adults. While the darkness of the night hid the three, for a moment the light from the meteor revealed all their secrets. As Dimmesdale looked up again he noticed the letter A written out in dull, red light. It might have been his guilt that made him see it this way implying to himself he should be wearing a mark of shame just as Hester does. The town, however, interpreted the meteor differently believing it was Governor Winthrops entry into the gates of Heaven. They think the A stands for angle. This symbol is

special because it is left up to the reader to decide what they think the meteor means.

Pearl Pearl is another interesting symbol because she is a main character in the novel but also treated as a symbol because she is a result of Hester and Dimmesdales sin. She is a very complex character and is referenced to as a living version of her mothers scarlet letter. Pearl herself is the physical consequence of adultery and a violation of the law. Hester doesnt know if Pearl is a blessing or a curse because she is constantly reminding her of her sin but she also gives Hester a reason to live. Pearl represents light and darkness in Hester and Dimmesdales life. For Hester she represents something she produced deliberately and something that reflects Hester despite herself. Everyday Pearl is a constant reminded to the two of the sin they committed. She is also described as wearing scarlet red clothes which symbolizes a life size version of Hesters Scarlet letter. Although Pearl represents sin she also represents new life. Even though Hester suffered from her sin her daughter symbolizes a second chance. Pearl represents the elements of lawless beauty and defiance, and also conscience. She constantly enforces Hesters and Dimmesdales guilt as well as to represent her rebellion. Pearl does not let Hester forget the letter. For example, when Hester removed the letter Pearl

refused to join her until she placed the letter back on her because that was the only way she recognized her.