Scarlet Letter Symbolism Essay

In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s book, The Scarlet Letter, symbols are used throughout

to help the reader visualize what life must have been like for the characters. In

particular, the use of witchcraft, The Black Man, spells and evil are used to illustrate the

not so pretty side of the Puritan way of life. Through these menacing symbols, shadows

are cast on the simple, morally pure lifestyle of the Puritan society. This is also brought

to light through the characters who were suspected to be evil because they did not live

up to the standards that were expected of them. Pearl, the daughter of Hester, in The

Scarlet Letter, often was a victim of accusations because she did not fit the mold the

Puritans believed to be righteous. In chapter twelve of the novel it says of Pearl, “There

was witchcraft in little Pearl’s eyes, and her face, as she glanced upward at the minister,
wore that naughty smile which made its expression frequently so elfish,” (Hawthorne
183­184).

As the consequences Pearl faces because of her mother’s sin are examined,

a comparison can be made to a modern day instance where society judges and

condemns many due to the actions of a few.

Growing up Puritan came with many guidelines on what it meant to be a morally

just person. They believed that members of the community should lead a very simple,

modest, austere lifestyle (Clayton, 2009). Through the use of symbols that have a

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negative connotation, such as witchcraft, evil, The Black Man, and spell, readers see

that lives were not always lived strictly by the Puritan rules. The consequences of

immorality, such as adultery, which is what is addressed following the birth of Pearl, are

made a public display. This display drew in crowds of people who openly judged the sin

of the wrongdoer. This is one example of the way the Puritans punished those who

were not living up to their moral standards of perfection. The punishment does not end

when Hester steps off the scaffold. Not only does Hester have to live with continued

judgement, but Pearl, her daughter does as well. This community accountability might

mean that moral judgments against us on the part of other people may carry

more
weight (University of Wisconsin). The effects extending long after the discipline is
complete, and affecting others who were perhaps innocent. The symbols of a dark
nature used in the book, help the readers understand how Pearl’s life was strained due
to a sin she did not commit.
When taking a closer look at Pearl, it is easy to see that her circumstances had a
huge impact on her life. She found herself isolated from other children her age. Her
mom being her only companion. This rejection from those around her, led her to fall
into things that were considered more evil and dark according to the Puritan moral code.
When she would play, she would mimic actions of those who practiced witchcraft.
According to Hawthorne, “...were the puppets of witchcraft, and, and without undergoing
any outward change, became spiritually adapted to whatever drama occupied the stage
of her inner world” (110). Pearl’s isolation led her to turn to other ways of occupying her
time. Among several other causes for the outbreak of Witchcraft in Salem, boredom
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and a time of trouble were noted (Liu, 2004). Pearl, in the flesh, was a constant
reminder of the sins of her mother. Although it was out of her control, she had to suffer
the consequences of shame and isolation because the community in which she lived
viewed her as the result of the devil’s work.
Although Hawthorne’s book was one of fiction, sadly, the burden of carrying
around shame and ridicule for another’s actions by proxy is still alive today. According
to an article written by Michael Lipka entitled, “Muslims and Islam: Key Findings in the
U.S. and Around the World,” in December 2015:
“Recent surveys show that most people in several countries with
significant Muslim populations have an unfavorable view of ISIS, including
virtually all respondents in Lebanon and 94% in Jordan. Relatively small shares
say they see ISIS favorably.”
In today’s modern society when logging on and reading any social media site there are
multiple hateful comments about the Muslim religion. What about the Muslims who do
not agree with ISIS or the other terrorist groups that have come from the same
teachings? There are many Muslims who are just as much of an American citizen as
anyone else. They are doctors, veterinarians, musicians, electricians, and if they truly
believe in the country of America, then they are allowed to salute the flag just as
strongly as those who have served for this country. Instead, they are the victims of
ridicule because of the terrible actions of others. It does not seem fair that they have to
carry that burden, when over half of them do not agree with the heinous crimes
committed by ISIS. Isn’t it the same thing with Pearl and Hester? Hester commits a sin
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and it not only affects her, but her daughter as well. Pearl has had the world against her
ever since she was born. This is not because of anything she has done, but a
consequence of her mother’s actions. In the same sense, Muslims have the stigma of
being evil because of the wrongdoings of a terrorist group who proclaims to be Muslim.
Although it is not necessarily fair or right, it is the hand they are dealt in life. Just like
Pearl in The Scarlet Letter, their lives are strained because of sins that they do not
commit. Another point to remember is that Pearl was a reminder of her mother’s sin,
just as those who are Muslim are a constant reminder for non­Muslims of the terroristic
attacks of ISIS.
In conclusion, sometimes people are not in full control of how they are viewed by
the world. The adverse actions of others that a person or group of people are
associated with, can have long reaching consequences and alter the lives of many
people who are truly innocent. This can mean that an individual was simply born into
chaos that results in a life of isolation and banter. On the other hand, preconceived
judgement may come because a person identifies themselves with a group who has
committed horrible acts . The Scarlet Letter is a good reminder of how the judgement of
society can be passed on to others through guilt by association. Muslims who are truly
not associated with, who do not support ISIS and their evil in this world, is a reminder
that guilty by association is still alive today.