During a time of Puritan manifestation in the New England area, the idea of sin and going against any of God’s commandments was indefinitely a crime in which could affect one’s life forever. For Hester Prynne, having committed adultery has brought her shame from the community, and being alienated from her society. Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter utilizes symbolism to emphasize that individuals mirror the identity society has given them until one binds enough courage to create a new one for themselves.
A major contributor to Hester’s identity is the scarlet letter, it is a clear representation to society that Hester is a sinner, and should not be associated with the pure members of the community. Though the novel does not go into depth about the past of Hester, there are details in which show a stark contrast to her self confidence. At the beginning of the novel, which takes place in the scaffold she is described as a 'figure of perfect elegance on a large scale.' as well as emphasizing her 'dark and abundant hair, so glossy that it threw off the sunshine with a gleam' (Hawthorne 50). Hester is also praised for her cunning attractiveness when she stated: 'her beauty shone out, and made a halo of the misfortune and ignominy in which she was enveloped.' (Hawthorne 50). However, the Scarlet Letter serves as the concealer of her attributes, after seven years of punishment for her sin, she becomes conservative in terms of her beautiful features and her warmth. With the letter essentially being a form of punishment for her, it has affected her in ways that make her feel as though she is not worthy of any form of confidence or self-respect. However, in chapter 18, a significant turning point is incorporated when she removes the letter, replenishing her radiant beauty; “The stigma gone, Hester heaved a long, deep sigh, in which the burden of shame and anguish departed from her spirit. O exquisite relief! She had not known the weight until she felt the freedom!” (Hawthorne 182). Symbolically when Hester removes the letter and takes off her cap, she is being released from her internal conflict and embarrassment, releasing her true womanhood, allowing herself to be free in character. Furthermore, with Hester having to opportunity to experience the effects of the scarlet letter, it has opened up her perspective to what it has taught her, “The tendency of her fate and fortunes had been to set her free. The scarlet letter was her passport into regions where other women dared not tread” (Hawthorne 180). This illustrates how the experience of being exiled from her community has changed Hester and given her a new perspective. Before her penance, she was living a life in which involved having less of an expectation to question roles in society. However, once she became an outcast, she began to truly question why rigid and unfair societal expectations were established. Therefore, through the use of the scarlet letter, Hawthorne symbolizes not only growth within one’s appearance but one’s character as well. Establishing that labeling of one’s shameful sin can put them in a state of humility. With that experience, it can help them grow as a person through their appearance or character.
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Another significant symbol in which has allowed Hester to find courage in establishing her own identity is her daughter Pearl. Pearl serves as a constant reminder of Hester’s sin however, she also serves as a reminder for Hester that there is hope for Hester to be accepted in society anew, 'Pearl was the one, as well as the other; and only in consequence of that identity had Hester so contrived so perfectly to represent the scarlet letter in her appearance.' (Hawthorne 70). This goes to show that Pearl is seen as a sign of optimism amid sin, as well as a sense of hope for Hester.
How society attempts to conform to one another, can be degrading and manipulative in which can make one believe that they may not be worthy of personal growth due to past actions. However, there is significant importance for individuals to never undermine their value, remembering that regardless of the obstacles that life has put you there's a chance to redeem yourself to yourself or the public. Through symbolism, Hawthorne was able to communicate this and document the growth of Hester Prynne, establishing that though she may have not been able to completely change her status in society, her self-worth was revived.
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