Symbols, Motifs, & Themes The Scarlet Letter Symbols, Motifs, & Themes

Terms rEVIEW Symbolism Motif Theme Symbols represent abstract ideas or concepts Symbols have a literal meaning, but suggest another meaning Motif Recurring symbols, images, and literary devices Theme Central, underlying, and controlling idea

Symbolism Scarlet Letter Pearl The letter A symbolizes Hester’s sin and shame. It is what sets her apart from everyone else (46, 50-51). Pearl Pearl is the embodiment of Hester’s shame and the product of her sin (46, 77, 127).

Motifs Letter A Scaffold Scarlet Letter Meteor Able Angel Hester’s Introduction (43, 48, 122) “Electric Chain” (Chapter 12) Dimmesdale’s Death (Chapter 23)

Motifs continued Reflections Hester sees a fiend-like face when she looks at Pearl (80). Pearl sees Hester’s reflection in the armor in the Governor’s Hall. The scarlet letter is large and distorted (88). Dimmesdale sees diabolical shapes when he looks at himself in his mirror (120). Chillingworth realizes that he is a transformed man and sees himself as a frightful man he no longer recognizes(142).

Themes Forest vs. Marketplace Guilt Revenge Sin “We must not always talk in the market-place of what happens to us in the forest”(197). Private vs. public Free vs. restricted Internal vs. external Guilt Shame Punishment Revenge Sin