what is the total number of symbols that Hawthorne uses in The Scarlet Letter?

You've asked an impossible question, since symbols can't be quantified. What one person sees as a symbol may be meaningless to another person.

Thank you for using the Jiskha Homework Help Forum. Here are some sites that list symbols for The Scarlet Letter:

1. http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/scarlet/themes.html

2. http://www.cliffsnotes.com/WileyCDA/LitNote/The-Scarlet-Letter.id-167,pageNum-85.html

3. http://www.123helpme.com/view.asp?id=16944

4. http://www.studyworld.com/newsite/ReportEssay/Literature/Novel%5CScarlet_Letter_3.htm

5. http://www.freeessays.cc/db/18/esv276.shtml

There are more sites online but this should definitely help you!

To determine the total number of symbols used by Hawthorne in The Scarlet Letter, you would need to analyze the text and identify the various symbols that are present throughout the novel. Symbols in literature can be objects, actions, or events that represent abstract ideas or concepts.

Since the interpretation of symbols can vary from person to person, it is not possible to provide a specific numerical count for the total number of symbols in The Scarlet Letter. However, you can explore various literary analysis resources, such as the websites provided, to identify some commonly recognized symbols in the novel.

These resources typically provide in-depth analysis of the symbols used by Hawthorne, offering explanations of their significance and potential interpretations. By studying these sources, you can gain a better understanding of the symbols employed by the author and form your own interpretation of their purpose within the narrative.

In The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne uses numerous symbols to convey various themes and ideas. Some commonly recognized symbols in the novel include the scarlet letter itself, the scaffold, Pearl, and the forest. These symbols represent different aspects of the story such as sin, guilt, punishment, redemption, and nature. However, it is important to note that the total number of symbols in the novel cannot be accurately determined as symbolism is subjective and open to interpretation.