Symbolism in Hawthorne

Thesis: The use of symbolism in Hawthorne’s work is widely debated.

I. Background

1. Beginnings
2. Style

II. Symbolism

1. Simplicity
2. Conflicts of interest

C. The Scarlet Letter

1. Symbolic significance

2. Effects of symbolism

a. Hester

b. Pearl

c. Dimmesdale

d. Chillingsworth

III. Conclusion

Nathaniel Hawthorne had a tremendous amount of respect for the material world and common-sense reality. His career began with ten years of seclusion during which many of his works were produced. His work reflected the confinement, which he subjected himself to during this period, as well as his mental state of mind. "In the habit of seeing meanings in everything, he thought in symbols and wrote in symbols" (Turner 151). Symbolism both fascinated him because it spoke to his sensibilities and horrified him because it evaded the analytical side of his mind. Hawthorne had an extreme form of anticonventional impulse that is inherent in symbolism with a novelty and disorderliness that is potentially dangerous. While he was anxious about the freedom he had in his symbolic meaning, it is to his credit that he did not go too far. Many authors search for morals that they can write about. Hawthorne already had meanings that he wished to convey; the problem for him was finding the correct atmosphere in which to present his meanings.

Throughout his work Hawthorne makes use of "symbols which often are so commonplace and natural as to escape notice" (Turner 151). "The Hollow of the Three Hills," Hawthorne’s first short story, is quite short and compact. Details are sparse and the story contains only one scene; however, each item bares a symbolic meaning. The meanings conveyed by these symbols become more effective since they are so natural that they conceal themselves. Because readers are left to use their imagination and to draw their own conclusions many critics feel that Hawthorne’s simple use of symbols in "The Hollow of the Three Hills" is perhaps his best.

Hawthorne became obsessed with allegory, as it appealed to his analytical side. Allegory naturally questions absolute reality. A distinction is apparent between ideas and thoughts. Hawthorne failed to handle allegory as the masters did; his failure came from the sense that the morals were not the forefront of the story. "The Birthmark" contains a wonderful moral, yet it is more obscurely brought out than it is fantastically symbolized. "Instead of realizing vividly and presenting concretely the elements of his allegory, he contented himself with their plausibility as symbols" (Brownell 73). The symbolic and allegorical patterns of Hawthorne’s work reach two quite different conclusions. The symbolism is inconclusive and has the luxuriance of meaning, while the allegory imposes strict morals and simplified characters. Hawthorne always stated his purpose was to open an intercourse with the world, and out of this purpose rose, not allegory, but symbolism.

The work in which Nathaniel Hawthorne did not attempt to heavily lean upon allegory is widely considered among his best. His talent is allowed to run free and unconstrained in such stories as "The Gentle Boy." "If he is less original, he is more human, and takes his place and holds his own in the lists of literature – instead of standing apart in the brown twilight and indulging his fancy in flaming insubstantial fictions for the illustration of moral truths" (Brownell 73).

The extent of Hawthorne’s symbolism is such that it has been considered ineffective. Individuals are given such little character and background in order to build their symbolism that many believe Hawthorne doesn’t fall under the category of a novelist. In short stories these liberties may be taken, such is the case in "The Ministers Black Veil." Still, if the minister were characterized into reality he would be taken more seriously and his symbolic effectiveness would increase.

The story and symbolism of The Scarlet Letter give plausibility to the statement that this novel is Hawthorne’s finest piece of work. With respect to symbolism, The Scarlet Letter is very unique among Hawthorne’s other work. There is not a problem securing a symbolic status, as the focus of the book is the written significance of the symbol. "The symbolistic method is inherent in the subject, just as the subject of symbolism is inherent in the method" (Feidelson Jr. 69).

"Just as Hawthorne is said by Terence Martin to contemplate the letter, thus generating the novel, so the reader is forced to direct his attention to the primary symbol, not simply Hester’s adultery or of her ability, but of the way in which the restrictions of the Puritan forbears are transcended by the warmth of human heart" (Hanushek 1321). Through this symbol Hawthorne explores the isolating effects of sin. Hester and the Puritans both come to terms with the symbol of adultery in basically the same way. The "A" is psychophysical, shaping and perceiving the mind and objective sense. This objectiveness is also applied to other characters.

Throughout The Scarlet Letter Hawthorne constantly reiterates that Pearl is, in essence, the same thing as the scarlet letter, both physically and mentally. She is the literal symbol of Hester and Dimmsedale’s union; she is commentary on the symbol itself. Pearl reveals that the letter is the psychophysical presence of adultery. The symbol found in Dimmesdale is diverted from the normal course and emerges as a psychosomatic mark on his chest. Dimmesdale refuses to accept the moral version of adultery presented by the public and Hester because his agony is intellectual, not moral. The effect of the symbol of the "A" on Chillingsworth is complete in both his mind and body, as he has become completely emerged in a symbolic role. Chillingsworth begins to perceive meaning in aspects of the world where there were none before. The world thus illuminated by him is physical and ideal. At its center are humans who perceive the world by wearing the symbol in mind and body.

Throughout his life Nathaniel Hawthorne struggled with symbolism and allegory. Some see him as a failure in the world of literature, while others believe he achieved symbolic perfection in The Scarlet Letter. Symbols were inherent in Hawthorne’s work. The simple use of symbolism is praised by some and scoffed by others. In his struggle to balance allegory and symbolism he has given us many great tales to be enjoyed for generations to come. Did Hawthorne achieve perfection or was he a failure? Perhaps the answer to that question is best left to personal taste.

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The Scarlet Letter. Ed. John C. Gerber. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentice-

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