Abstract

This thesis is to analyze the symbols in The Scarlet Letter from the point of symbolism to unfold the cruelty of the social law and the hypocrisy of Puritanism in 19th century .The thesis is designed into two parts. First of all, this thesis gives a brief introduction to the theory symbolism in literary and the reasons why Hawthorne uses symbolism, containing symbolism and Hawthorne’s own life experience. Secondly, the analysis of the symbolism in The Scarlet Letter is divided in two aspects in the thesis. One is the symbolic meaning of the letter A which is a main clue throughout the novel. The other part is the symbolic meanings of the Hester, Dimmesdale, Chillingworth, including their names and personalities.In conclusion, this thesis explores into how the author uses symbolism to unfold the distortion of the society and express his strong desire for the freedom of human nature.

Key words : symbolism; the letter A; the cruelty of the social law;the hypocrisy of Puritanism ;

Contents

Abstract

中文摘要

1.Introduction1

2.A Brief Introduction to Symbolism 2

2.1 The definition of symbolism.2

2.2The reasons why Hawthorne uses symbolism3

3.The Symbolic Meanings in The Scarlet Letter..4

3.1 The Letter A.4

3.1.1 The symbol of adultery.4

3.1.2 The symbol of Arthur Dimmesdale5

3.2 The characters in The Scarlet Letter..6

3.2.1 Hester .6

3.2.2 Dimmesdale..7

3.2.3 Chillingworth..7

4. Conclusion8

References.v