Symbolism is defined as the use of symbols to express or represent ideas in works of art, literature, etc… Nathaniel Hawthorne was an expert in the use of symbolism. The Scarlet Letter is filled with symbols crucial to understanding the underlying moral and religious concepts that lurk beneath Puritan society. Some examples of the symbols incorporated into the story are the scarlet A, the meteor, and the Pearl. The scarlet letter is given to Hester after she is convicted an adulteress. His punishment is to wear the letter "A", stitched in gold and scarlet. The letter is meant to be a symbol of shame, as adultery was strictly frowned upon and most adulterers were put to death. However, as time passes, the meaning of the symbol slowly changes. Hester did everything in her power to help the world when it needed her. As Hawthorne says, “None is so ready as she is to give her little substance to every demand of poverty…” (Hawthorne 114). People found her so helpful that many did not interpret the letter A in its original meaning. Instead, they saw the scarlet letter as Able. Hawthorne intended to use the scarlet letter to show how Hester changes throughout the novel. The Puritans also see this change; however, they don't know what happens when she is alone. Another symbol connected to the scarlet A is the meteor. Puritans always try to see symbols in nature, which they interpret as messages from God. In chapter 12, Dimmesdale screams while on the scaffold; the gallows where Hester was condemned. He can't bear the guilt that gnaws at him inside and desperately tries to free himself. However, the cry was only a figment of his imagination... middle of paper....... The community sees Dimmesdale as a saint, while Hawthorne paints him as a morally weak person who cannot confess his sins. Everyone sees Chillingworth as a betrayed husband who is betrayed by his wife. However, Hawthorne shows him as an evil-minded person who is so consumed by revenge and hatred that he cannot live when his victim dies. His only purpose in life is to make Dimmesdale's life miserable; so when the minister dies, Chillingworth no longer has any purpose, so he dies too. The story of the Scarlet Letter is extremely recognizable in the modern era. People often don't realize that everyone has their own story and that they shouldn't jump to conclusions without knowing that story. The kid who is always angry and always bullied? He may have family problems. So this is my message: Don't judge a book by its cover, judge a book by its story.