In a novel of sin and redemption, symbolism is used to broaden the significance of certain aspects. Throughout The Scarlet Letter, Hawthorne uses a barrage of themes, motifs, and symbolisms. These images help to unify the novel and enrich the meaning behind the work. Early in the novel, Hawthorne refers to iron, oak, chains mainly to demonstrate the Puritanism that takes place in the novel. However, he also uses these symbolic items to display the …showed first 75 words of 471 total…

…showed last 75 words of 471 total…forever. The Scarlet Letter used symbolism to intensify, explain, and link many things together throughout the novel. Iron, oak, and chains are few of numerous symbols Hawthorne uses throughout the novel. Without the representation of these images, the story would not have been unified under one central theme. The motifs in the novel branch out from one idea. The signs and symbols we recognize help us to appreciate this account of love, sin, and salvation.