Symbolism in The Scarlet LetterIn The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, the theme revolves around a sin that has been committed. The story takes place in the 17th century in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Hester Prynne, who had an affair with local reverend Arthur Dimmesdale, commits the sin. Roger Chillingworth is Hester's husband while the affair unfolds. Because of this affair, Hester and Arthur have a daughter named Pearl. The sin Hester commits is adultery. Hawthorne uses a variety of symbols throughout The Scarlet Letter, and he symbolizes the scarlet letter "A" in several ways. In the Puritan community, "A" is a sign of punishment and the red "A" is worn on the chest of the offender's clothing. The “A” can stand for Adulterer, Angel and Able. Hester, after years of helping, serving, and sympathizing with the townspeople, was considered by the Puritans to mean capable rather than adulterous; “A” meant Able; “Hester Prynne was so strong, with the strength of a woman” (186). For example, when Hester gained some respect from the Puritans, "such helpfulness was found in her, so much so...that many people refused to interpret the scarlet 'A' by its original meaning » (186). For the Puritans, the letter “A” also symbolized an angel. “A large red letter in the sky, “the letter A…” appeared in the sky when Governor Winthrop died” (182). “For as our good Governor Winthrop became an angel this last night…” (182).The meaning of “A” is also different for each of the characters. For Hester, it is a constant reminder of the humiliation and sin she has committed. Dimmesdale thinks the "A" reminds him of his own guilt. and he has no way of forgiving himself. The “A” of Pearl, a young girl, is a brilliant and mysterious curiosity. Hester Prynne is an Englishwoman who is punished by having to wear the embroidered scarlet letter "A". the breasts of her clothes are publicly humiliated while standing in front of the people of Boston. The "A" that Hester wears is "...of fine red cloth, surrounded by elaborate embroidery and fantastic flourishes of gold thread..." (58). Hester Prynne, in the eyes of many Puritans, is an extreme sinner; she went against the Puritan ways, committing adultery. For this grave sin, she must wear a symbol of shame for the rest of her life..