At this point in the story, the letter "A" in the sky symbolizes Dimmesdale's hidden sin, at least hidden from the people of the town considering that Pearl and Chillingworth are aware of this sign. The red letter in the sky in this chapter and part of the book is also seen as the symbol of an angel, at least to the townspeople. They believe that the illuminating "A" in the sky symbolizes the death of their late Governor Winthrop and perhaps that he is now an angel, "The good old minister just came from the death chamber of Governor Winthrop, who had passed from earth to heaven." by that hour." (Hawthorne 148) Throughout the novel, The Scarlet Letter it is evident that the meaning of the scarlet letter has morphed into different things. Initially considered a pure symbol of adultery and regarded solely as punishment, the scarlet letter in followed stood for Abel and although intended to punish Hester, it actually benefited her as a person Nathaniel Hawthorne's decision to change the meaning of the red letter in the story helps drive the plot and add depth and complexity to the tale from sin to strength and skill, the meaning of the scarlet letters is the driving force in this