浅析《红字》中象征主义手法的运用

An Analyze of the Symbolism in the

Scarlet Letter

Contents

1. Introduction (i)

2. The Symbolic Meaning of the Images (i)

2.1 The Symbolic Meaning of the Characters (i)

2.1.1 Hester Prynne (i)

2. 1.2 Roger Chillingworth (i)

2.1.3Author Dimmesdale (i)

2.1.4 Pearl (i)

2.2 The symbolic meaning of the Jail (i)

2.3 The Symbolic Meaning of the Scaffold (ii)

3. Conclusion (ii)

An Analyze of the Symbolism in the Scarlet Letter

Abstract:The Scarlet Letter is the 1st novel of symbolism in American literature. Being different from the romanticism, symboli sm is adopted to convey the author’s opinions in an indirect way. In this novel, Nathaniel Hawthorne artfully applied symbolism to express himself by creating several images with vivid and symbolic characteristics. This thesis mainly analyzes the symbolism applied in novel from three aspects: characters, jail and scaffold.

Key Words: symbolism Puritanism adultery revenge

摘要：《红字》是美国第一部象征主义小说。与浪漫主义写作手法不同，象征主义作品间接表达作者的思想。在这部小说中，作者霍桑通过创造了几个形象鲜明的、象征

角色，巧妙地采用象征主义表达自己的观点。该论文主要从小说三方面分析象征主义：人物、监狱和断头台。

关键字：象征主义清教主义通奸复仇

1. Introduction:The Scarlet Letter is Hawthorne’s famous fiction in which he revealed the dark side of Puritanism, as well as the harshness and persecution. It seems like a love story but actually it mainly reflected the society environment. Particularly, the author employed the symbolism to convey his ideas and thoughts. In which Hester is a vivid character created by Hawthorne.

2. The Symbolic Meaning of the Images

2.1 The Symbolic Meaning of the Characters

2.1.1 Hester Prynne

As the main character in this novel, it is no doubt that Hester Prynne had been drawing more attention from the beginning. Readers may conclude what she suffered is a tragedy. But on the other hand, what she symbolized in the story is strong will, affection and loyalty. Anyhow, she deserves the attention.

As the story happened in the 19th century in Boston, it was a period of Puritanism controlled. Anyone who inhabited on the island had to observe the stern puritan rules to survive from these cruel governors. However, Hester was the only one ventured to challenge the rigid religion regulations at the expense of burning enormous humiliation and shame in front of the public. Although she had committed the sin of adultery, she preferred to wear the scarlet letter “A” on her breast instead of naming the man with whom she committed adultery. “She was ladylike, too, after the manner of the femi nine gentility of these days” She was such a graceful woman in the writer’s book. Never had Heater intended to yield to the evil might. Her resistance had made her great. What the “A” embodied in her breast was not disgrace any more. Contrariwise, it just liked a scarlet rose--attractive and glittering. Undoubtedly, Hester was an unyielding woman with strong will.