Symbols in the Scarlet Letter Symbolism is highly prevalent in Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter. Some of the most important symbols in this novel are Pearl, the gallows, and the scarlet A. These symbols are all woven together because each object refers to Hester Prynne's punishment and sin. Pearl is the consequence of an adulterous relationship and will be a constant reminder of that sin, not only to Hester but also to the town as a whole. The gallows is a hoary platform on which Hester had to stand to receive her punishment; however, each time the scaffold is shown, a different symbol is expected. The scarlet letter is the final form of punishment that Hester must wear on her chest so that the entire town will know that she has sinned. Over the course of the novel the symbolic meaning of each object will change, providing better insight into the characters and the sin itself. However, before understanding the novel it is necessary to have a thorough knowledge of the symbol. Each individual can define a symbol in his own way; Erich Fromm simply defines a symbol as “something that stands for something else” (121). Perrine describes a symbol as “something that means more than it is” (172). In The Scarlet Letter, an example of a symbol would be the letter A, which means or symbolizes adultery. Then there are the categories of symbols. Fromm provides three categories of symbols: universal, accidental and conventional. The pearl, the gallows, and the scarlet letter are all considered universal symbols. Fromm states: “The universal symbol is one in which there is an intrinsic relationship between the symbol and what it represents” (123). Birkerts argues: “A certain ambiguity is necessary for the creation of the symbols p… in the center of the card… the sin occurred. Hawthorne ensures that symbolism is prevalent throughout The Scarlet Letter. The novel is filled with countless symbols; however, the most central symbols are Pearl, the gallows, and the scarlet letter. Each symbol changes meaning during the stages of the novel. Although most objects began as punishment or negative symbols, they ultimately improve, providing hope and inspiration to all sinners. Work Cited Birkerts, Sven P. Literature The Evolving Canon. Boston: Allyn and Bacon, 1995. 124-27. Print.Fromm, Erich. "The nature of symbolic language". Classroom Handout: English 101. Cerro Coso Community College, 2010. 121-26. Print.Hawthorne, Nathaniel. The Scarlet Letter. New York: Penguin, 2003. PrintPerrine, Laurence. Literature, sound and meaning. San Diego: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1988. 172-79. Press.