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Symbolism is the applied use of any iconic representations, which carry particular conventional meanings. Within The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne incorporates symbolism to expose a deeper meaning in the story. The first and most obvious symbol that Hawthorne displays is the embroidery of the letter "A" given to Hester to wear as a reminder to the town of her adultery. The second symbol is revealed in Chapter XII, when a meteor in the form of a letter "A" lights up the night sky. Finally, Hawthorne reveals symbolism in the scaffold, where many of the important plot points take place.

The Letter "A" is a major form of symbolism within The Scarlet Letter. Hawthorne establishes that Hester, the main character within the play, receives an embroidery of the letter "A" to mark her as an adulterer. The letter's meaning shifts as time passes. At first, the "A" is a symbol of shame, but as the story progresses, the shameful "A" becomes her powerful identity. The community started......

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Approximate Word Count: 656
Approximate Pages: 3 (250 words per double-spaced page)

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