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

2. 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

3. 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).

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

5. 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).

6. 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