When we think of classic literature, the stuff we ‘have’ to read in school, The Scarlet Letter immediately comes to mind. Published in 1850, it continues to be studied and analyzed in classrooms around the world, and has been made into numerous films, including a classic interpretation–and first version with sound– from 1934. At the center is Hester Prynne a woman who is forced to wear a scarlet letter “A” on her chest as punishment for committing adultery. But what does this symbol really mean? Let’s take a closer look at the symbolism of the scarlet letter and the deeper meaning behind Hester’s punishment.
First and foremost, the scarlet letter is a symbol of shame and public humiliation. In Puritan society, adultery was considered a grave sin and was punished harshly. Hester’s punishment of wearing the scarlet letter “A” on her chest for the rest of her life was meant to serve as a constant reminder of her sin and to publicly shame her. This is evident in the way the townspeople treat her, constantly whispering and pointing at her as she walks by. Hester is essentially an outcast in her own community, forced to live on the outskirts and endure the judgment of others. Kinda like a cruel meme before memes were a thing.
But as the story progresses, we see that the letter takes on a deeper meaning for Hester. Instead of being a symbol of shame, it becomes a symbol of strength and resilience. Hester refuses to let the letter define her and instead wears it with pride, almost as a badge of honor. She takes on the role of a strong, independent woman, providing for herself and her daughter, Pearl, despite the constant judgment and ridicule from others. In this way, the scarlet letter represents Hester’s personal strength and determination. The big “A” plan fails.
But there’s more. An important aspect of the letter is of course its color. Red is often associated with passion, love, and sin. In this case, the scarlet letter represents the passion and love that Hester shared with the father of her child, Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale. But it also represents the sin and guilt that comes with their forbidden relationship. The color red is also significant in the way it contrasts with the dull, drab colors of Puritan society. Hester’s scarlet letter is a bold and vibrant symbol that stands out in a society that values conformity and strict adherence to rules.
Film Adaptation Recommendations:
- 1934 The Scarlet Letter (dir. Robert G. Vignola)
- 1995 The Scarlet Letter (dir. by Roland Joffé)
- 2010 Easy A (dir. by Will Gluck)
Hester is a rebel. Her decision to wear the letter with pride and not succumb to the societal expectations of shame and repentance is a shot against strict Puritan beliefs. She refuses to conform and instead embraces her own identity and individuality. This is evident in the way she dresses Pearl in bright, colorful clothing, despite the Puritan’s preference for plain and simple attire. Hester’s rebellion is a subtle but powerful act of defiance against the oppressive society she lives in. Some things never change.
While Hester Prynne’s punishment may have been meant to break her, it instead, strengthened her. And in the end, the scarlet letter becomes a symbol of her triumph over the oppressive society she lived in. Is there some tragedy in all this? You bet. But as we look back at this book and films, we can appreciate the depth and meaning behind Hester’s punishment and the scarlet letter that she wore with pride.