Choose a form of figurative language from the Scarlet Letter and find two examples of it in the text to share.You must:
Provide context for your selections (explain or summarize the section it is in)
Explain what type of figurative language it is and what effect it has on the text.
Why did the author choose this figurative language?How does it add to and shape the meaning of the passage or the novel as a whole?
One form of figurative language in The Scarlet Letter is symbolism. Symbolism is the use of objects, characters, or events to represent deeper meanings or ideas. It adds depth and layers of meaning to the text, allowing readers to explore themes and emotions beyond the literal interpretation.
1. Context: In Chapter 5, Hester Prynne stands on the scaffold, publicly condemned for committing adultery, with her illegitimate child in her arms. The author describes Hester's scarlet letter "A" as follows: "It had the effect of a spell, taking her out of the ordinary relations with humanity, and enclosing her in a sphere by herself."
Explanation: The scarlet letter is a symbol of Hester's sin and shame. Through this symbolism, the author highlights the isolation and alienation Hester experiences due to her sin. By removing her from the ordinary relations with humanity, the scarlet letter emphasizes the way society perceives and treats her differently.
Impact: The symbolism of the scarlet letter contributes to the novel's exploration of themes such as sin, guilt, and redemption. It serves to reinforce the oppressive and judgmental atmosphere of Puritan society, where the wearing of the letter becomes a constant reminder of Hester's transgression.
2. Context: In Chapter 11, the author describes the forest at night, where Hester and Dimmesdale have their secret meeting. The author writes, "Dimmesdale's form grew vague in outline, quivered, and nearly vanished, and then assumed again its original distinctness."
Explanation: In this passage, the author uses the figurative language of visual imagery to describe the unsettling and ethereal atmosphere of the forest. The wavering, indistinct form of Dimmesdale symbolizes his internal struggle and the blurred lines between reality and the supernatural.
Impact: By utilizing visual imagery and symbolism, the author creates a sense of mystery and ambiguity surrounding Dimmesdale's character and his actions. It adds to the overall theme of hidden guilt and secrets in the novel, as the forest becomes a symbol of the unrestrained and untamed natural world where societal norms and judgments do not apply.
The author chose symbolism as a form of figurative language in The Scarlet Letter to explore the moral and psychological complexities faced by the characters. By using symbolic objects and settings, such as the scarlet letter and the forest, the author deepens the readers' understanding of the characters' internal struggles and societal pressures. Additionally, symbolism contributes to the thematic exploration of sin, guilt, and redemption, enhancing the overall meaning and impact of the novel.