A symbol is defined as something concrete that represents or suggests another thing that cannot in itself be pictured. Nathaniel Hawthorne, the author of The Scarlet Letter, uses the letter "A" to symbolize adultery. Names like Pearl, uses of color, and even a rosebush are used as symbols throughout the story. Hawthorne creates Hester Prynne and the story of The Scarlet Letter as a symbol or representation of his relationships and views of women. Hawthorne's relations with women both in his early and later life and his knowledge of his Puritan ancestors influenced the development of his characters. "He grew up with two sisters and a widowed mother, married an intellectual and emotional peer, and fathered two outspoken daughters. Women were companions, not threats"(Ellis).
Hawthorne's view of women began to develop during his childhood. He was surrounded by many different types of successful and supportive women. Hawthorne's father died when he was four years old, so he was raised by his mother and sisters. Hawthorne adopted his feminist views from the strong women that raised him. His mother was a highly intellectual woman for her time. In his youth Hawthorne lived with his uncle but still had a strong connection to his mother. During this time, "he communicated with his mother and sisters through highly imaginative writings" (Ponder). His sister Ebe was supportive and even helped with his ideas for his writings. She became his first female audience. His extended family was composed of intellectual and very supportive women. For example, his aunt even gathered enough money to send him to college. Women not only helped him but inspired his writings. He listened to women's tales told by his family and relatives. Later as his career began, his writings continued to be directed towards women.
When Hawthorne created Hester, he was actually creating a real woman. He created in Hester a mother, sinner, and a member of a community. Hawthorne uses his own...