Abstract: Nathaniel Hawthorne was one of the most influential romantic writer in the 19th century. His masterpiece, The Scarlet Letter, has kept him a great reputation in the history of American literature permanently. Besides, the usage of symbols in the novel also adds it with a unique charm perfectly and large numbers of readers are so attracted by it.

  In the novel, Hawthorne always uses some objective things such as the scaffold, the prison, flowers , the scarlet letter A and so on to express their implied meanings. And all these symbols can also stimulate readers' imagination and deepen the theme of the novel. 

  In this article, I will interpret the implied meanings of the scarlet letter A. With the development of the story, the symbol of the scarlet A has been given different symbolic meanings, such as“Adultery”“Affection”“Able”“Advanced”and so forth.

  First of all, I will introduce the writer and the background of the novel in the paper. Then, I will analyze and interpret various symbolic meanings of the scarlet letter A in different periods of her time at length to highlight Hester’s tenacious spirit and that she contends against the Puritan persecution. Moreover, her kind personality and advanced mind encourage her to be a feminist pioneer with great popularity from a Puritan sinner. 

Key Words: Nathaniel Hawthorne, Hester, the Scarlet Letter A, Symbolic meaning, Adultery 

Contents

摘要

Abstract

Introduction4

1.The letter A means “Adultery”5

2.The letter A means “Affection”6

3.The letter A means “Able”7

4. The letter A means “Advanced”8

Conclusion.10

Work Cited12

Bibliography  .13

Acknowledgements .14