Chapters 4-8 Symbols, Allusions, Archetypes, Motifs 1. Motif- The Black Man Why dost though smile so at me?

inquired Hester, troubled at the expression of his eyes. art though like the Black Man, that haunts the forest round about us? Hast thou enticed me into a bond that will prove the ruin of my soul? Not thy soul, he answered, with another smile, no, not thine! (Hawthorne 72) The Black Man is important to the novel because it shows the ideals of Puritan Massachusetts. The novel shows this by alluding to the Black Man whenever someone is believed to be evil or out to perform a sinful act. This motif emphasizes how severely Puritans viewed sin by referring to someone as the devil for one act. 2. Symbol- Pearl It was meant for a blessing, for the one blessing of her life! It was meant, doubtless, as the mother herself hath told us, for a retribution too; a torture to be felt at many an unthought-ofmoment; a pang, a sting, an ever-recurring agony, in the midst of a troubled joy! Hath she not expressed this thought in the garb of the poor child, so forcibly reminding us of that red symbol which sears her bosom (104). Pearl is used as a symbol throughout the book as a gift and a curse. This symbolism is important because it indicates that God does everything for a reason; Pearl is a gift to Hester for a reason that will develop more throughout the book. 3. Symbol- The Scarlet Letter Hester looked, by way of humoring the child; and she saw that, owing to the peculiar effect of this convex mirror, the scarlet letter was represented in exaggerated and gigantic

proportions, so as to be greatly the most prominent feature of her appearance. In truth she seemed completely hidden behind it (97). The mirrors magnified both the scarlet letter and the act to earn the letter to Hester. The fact that her own child associates the letter with Hester is devastating. The letter is a symbol, as of now, of Hesters adulterous act 4. Symbol- Hester good Thus the young and pure would be taught to look at her, with the scarlet letter flaming on her breast,--- at her, the child of honorable parents, --- at her, the mother of a babe, that would hereafter be a woman, --- at her, who had once been innocent, --- as the figure, the body, the reality of sin. And over her grave, the infamy that she must carry thither would be her only momentum (73). Even though Hester is perceived as evil, she still commits good acts. This is symbolic because it proves good can exist within perceived evil. 5. Archetype- Outcast (Hester) He needlework was seen on the ruff of the Governor; military men wore it on their scarves, and the minister on his band; it decked the babys little cap; it was shut up to be mildewed and moulder away, in the coffins of the dead. But it is not recorded that, in a single incidence, her skill was called in aid to embroider the white veil which was to cover the pure blushes of a bride. The exception indicated the ever-relentless rigor with which society frowned upon her sin (76). Hester is portrayed as the outcast in Bostons society. This is proven by the fact that she is not respected enough by the population to contribute to their wedding, despite Hesters superior ability.

6. Motif- Flower=Good We have as yet hardly spoken of the infant; that little creature, whose innocent life had sprung, by the inscrutable decree of Providence, a lovely and immortal flower, out of the rank luxuriance of a guilty passion. How strange it seemed to the sad woman, as she watched the growth and the beauty that became everyday more brilliant, and the intelligence that threw its quivering sunshine over the tiny features of this child! Her Pearl! (81). Flowers of different varieties are used to portray good things throughout the novel. In this quote, Pearl is compared to a lovely and immortal flower. This is important since she is seen as a good thing despite her mothers transgression. 7. Motif- nature=good Full concern, therefore, ---but so conscious of her own right that it seemed scarcely an unequal match between the public, on the one side, and a lonely woman, backed by the sympathy of nature, on the other, ---Hester Prynne set forth from her solitary cottage (92). In many instances throughout the novel, as well as in this quote, nature is portrayed as a good thing. Hester is against everything in the world except for nature. This is important because later in this chapter, Hester wins a battle for her child. This is nature prevailing against all odds. 8. Allusion- Biblical stories

The wide circumference of an elaborate ruff, beneath his gray beard, in the antiquated fashion of King James reign, cost his head to look not a little like that of John the Baptist in a charger (98). This is an allusion to a couple of biblical stories. This is important because it puts forth the ideals held by Puritan society, namely the ideas about religion. This allusion shows how they can view everything with some aspect of religious influence.