Symbolism and Imagery In Nathaniel Hawthorne`s The Scarlet Letter

Abstract

This thesis attempts to study Hawthorne`s symbolism and imagery in his master work The Scarlet Letter, which is a valuable symbolic and picturesque romance in which symbols and images conquer such elements as setting, themes, characters and other components. the objective of this research is to clarify, describe and to measure the usage of imagery and symbolism in this romance. The study sheds the light on the boundaries between these two literary terms, to notify the scholarly views about them and to find out the symbolic themes within this romance.The romance, The Scarlet Letter, deals with these two terms so as to create mental picture to the audience and reveals that their meaning extends beyond the literal sense in which figurative language and descriptive language occur under their hierarchy. The study attempts to provide a general survey of symbolism and imagery by tracing them as literary devices, their origin and by presenting different theories related to to them, as well as by touching the notion of color symbolism and imaging of color. Inevitably, the thesis touches on published information into a particular subject area. The study gives an overview about American literature and about the Romantic Movement through historical and descriptive method and also through analytical approach. The bulk of the study deals with the symbols and images used in the novel and their interpretation. To conclude, this study aims at uncovering Hawthorne purpose beyond the usage of symbols and images in his masterpiece The Scarlet Letter.