论《红字》中的象征意义.doc

。 毕 业 论 文题 目： 论红字中的象征意义 学 院： 外国语学院 专 业： 英 语 班级： 学号： 学生姓名： 李 高 导师姓名： 完成日期： 年 月 -可编辑修改-ContentsAbstract.( 1 )Introduction.( 2 )1. Symbolic Meanings of Characters. ( 4 )1.1 Symbolic Meanings of Hester Prynne.( 4 )1.2 Symbolic Meanings of Arthur Dimmesdale.( 5 ) 1.3 Symbolic Meanings of Roger Chillingworth.( 6 )1.4 Symbolic Meanings of Pearl( 7 )2. Symbolic Meanings of Objects.( 8 )2.1 Symbolic Meanings of Letter “A”.( 9 )2.2 Symbolic Meanings of Meteor.(11)3. Symbolic Meanings of Settings.(12)3.1 Symbolic Meanings of Scaffold.(12)3.2 Symbolic Meanings of Prison.(14)3.3 Symbolic Meanings of Forest .(15) 3.4 Symbolic Meanings of Brook .(16)3.5 Symbolic Meanings of Rose Bush.(17)Conclusion.(19)Bibliography.(20)Acknowledgements.(22)Analysis of the Symbolic Meanings in The Scarlet LetterAbstract: The Scarlet Letter is the masterpiece of Nathaniel Hawthorne who is the greatest American romantic novelist during the nineteenth century. The story doesnt take long to tell, nor is its plot very complicated. However it owns a deepgoing content and vivid language. It is regarded as the first symbolic novel in the history of American fiction owing to the conspicuous artistic characteristic of this novelsymbolism. This paper researches the symbolic meanings in The Scarlet Letter from three aspects of characters, objects and settings. At first, it analyzes the symbolic meanings of the four major characters, then makes a discussion about the changing symbolic meanings of the Scarlet Letter “A” and the meteor. Finally, there is an analysis of the settings that are described in the novel like scaffold, prison, forest, brook and rose bush. Exploration of the symbolic meanings in The Scarlet Letter is conducive to enhancing the understanding of the novel and the social background of that time, and comprehending the profound thoughts of the author. Key words: Hawthorne; The Scarlet Letter; symbolic meaning论红字中的象征意义摘 要：红字是美国十九世纪最伟大的浪漫主义小说家纳撒尼尔霍桑的代表作，小说不长，情节简明，内容深刻，语言生动，丰富的象征手法是其突出的艺术特色，被称为美国历史上第一部象征主义小说。本文将从人物、事物和场景三个方面来深入探讨小说中的象征意义。本文首先对小说中四个主要人物的象征意义进行分析，然后分析不断变化的红字“A”以及流星在小说中的象征意义，最后逐一分析小说中出现的刑台、监狱、森林、小溪和玫瑰丛等场景的象征意义。探讨小说红字中所蕴含的象征意义，有利于加强对作品和当时的社会时代背景的理解，并领会作者的深刻思想内涵。关键词：霍桑；红字；象征意义IntroductionToday, Nathaniel Hawthorne is remembered as a writer of symbolic literature that, like the Romantic literature of his European counterparts. He was born on the fourth of July, 1804，in Salem, and graduated at Bowdoin College. Some of his ancestors were big shots in seventeenth-century New England, which was under the control of Puritanism and presided magistrate in the Salem witch trials. Hawthorne is a pious Christian, and is deeply influenced by the theology. Hes so much indulged in the religious doctrine that people can find the reflection of the God almost everywhere in his works. Due to the influence of family background and environment, and based on the materials of the colonial New England, Hawthorne creates vivid and symbolic images in The Scarlet Letter successfully and tries his best to portray peoples ideological conflict and psychological movement. His ideological content and artistic quality are best demonstrated in his masterpiece The Scarlet Letter which is the first symbolic novel in the development of American literature and makes Nathaniel Hawthorne become one of the greatest American romantic novelists at that time and build his reputation as a major American author. Since that time on, people began to take great interest in all aspects of his life and a great many biographical and critical studies had been written about him and his works.The Scarlet Letter recounts a simple but very move story that the heroine Hester Prynne who is a young, recently married woman. She is sent to start a new life in America while her husband remains in England. In America she falls into love with another man that minister in the town and gives birth to a baby. This behavior is against for the puritan law, so she has been caught and asked to tell the truth. However, she does not reveal the name of her lover after a public trial, and she is sentenced to wear a scarlet letter “A” as a token of her sin throughout her lifetime. Unknown to her or her lover, her husband who is an aged English scholar stands among the crowd who condemns her. Hesters husband a cold-hearted man who decides to find the father of the baby, and takes actions of his plan to revenge. When finding the truth, he begins to torment Dimmesdale. In this situation, he has to agree with Hesters escape plan. But it fails. Finally, Dimmesdale, with Hester and Pearl, go to the scaffold. He admits that he is the father of the Pearl and dies. A year later, Chillingworth also passes away while Hester is acknowledged through her integrity and attic faith of the life.In The Scarlet Letter, symbolism runs through the novel and plays a very important role, it revolves around one major symbol: the scarlet letter “A”. Moreover, the characters and objects which described in the novel are all endowed with a deep symbolic meaning. Only by fully understanding symbolic meanings beneath the novel can the reader grasp the real meaning of Hawthornes The Scarlet Letter. Thus the paper is divided into three parts to discuss the symbolic meanings of the novel. The first part mainly talks about the symbolic meanings of the four major characters: Hester Prynne, Arthur Dimmesdale, Roger Chillingworth and Pearl; the second part discusses the symbolic meanings of several typical objects, for instance, the scarlet letter “A” and the meteor; the third part analyzes the symbolic meanings of settings in the whole novel, such as the scaffold and prison, forest, brook and rose bush, which are examined to reveal their deeply symbolic meanings.1. Symbolic Meanings of CharactersIn The Scarlet Letter, Hawthorne employs a lot of symbols. The symbols are just like the cell of the novel and connect with the work closely. The most revealing display of Hawthornes symbolism lies in the use of characters.Hawthorne has created each of characters with one outstanding characteristic in mind, and has concentrated almost entirely on developing that one characteristic. Thus there is discussion about the symbolic meaning of the four major characters in the follwing part. Meanwhile,Hawthorne uses characters as symbols in his novel. The characters of Hester Prynne, Arthur Dimmesdale, Pearl, and Roger Chillingworth are all associated with sin. However, these four characters symbolize different aspects of sin. 1.1 Symbolic Meanings of Hester Prynne Hester Prynne is the central and most important character in The Scarlet Letter. A young woman sent to the colonies by her husband, who plans to join her later but is presumed lost at sea. After approximately two years in America she committed adultery with Arthur Dimmesdale, a minister in Boston. She is a symbol of the acknowledged sinner in the Puritan society.In the Puritans eyes, she represents guilt. However, as the protagonist of the novel, Hester is described as a youthful, beautiful, spirited, and proud woman, although when she first appears in the story, there is already a scandal attached to her name that is symbolized by the scarlet letter A. When she walks to the scaffold from the prison, she holds her head high and remains in full public view without shedding a tear. Hawthorne describes her as both a sinner and saint：It was no great distance, in those days, from the prison door to the market place. Measured by the prisoners experience, however, it might be reckoned a journey of some length; for, proud as her appearance was, she perhaps underwent an agony from every footstep of those that thronged to see her.But, with almost a serene calmness, there fore, Hester Prynne passed through this portion of her ordeal. (Hawthorne 2007: 18)Furthermore, Hester Prynne is a woman of strength and independence. Her refusal to reveal the childs father leads her to suffer the public humiliation. Beyond that she decided to remain in Boston to suffer whatever humiliations the community has in store for her. Hester Prynne, therefore, did not flee. On the outskirts of the town, within the verge of the peninsula, but not in close vicinity to any other habitation, there was a small thatched cottage. In this little lonesome dwelling Hester established herself with her infant child. (Hawthorne 2007: 54)Her strength is seen in her rearing of her child alone, without family or friends, and her move to work out her penance by becoming a Sister of Mercy for the very community that scorns her.None so ready as she to give of her little substance to every demand of poverty;.she was self-made Sister of Mercy, such helpfulness was found in herso much power to do, and power to sympathize.so strong was Hester Prynne, with a womans strength. (ibid. 146)Though her true charity is weak, she endures silently and with immense fortitude the humiliation visited upon her by the people she serves. She supports herself and her child as a seamstress.1.2 Symbolic Meanings of Arthur Dimmesdale The Puritan world of The Scarlet Letter survives through convenient fictions. In the communal mind of the townspeople, Hester is the epitome of sinfulness, the minister is the embodiment of piety, but he also is a symbol of hypocrisy.Arthur Dimmesdale, the personification of human frailty and sorrow , is young, pale, and physically delicate man. He has melancholy eyes and a tremulous mouth. It shows us that he is a sensitive man. As an ordained Puritan minister, he is well educated, and he has a philosophical turn of mind. There is no doubt that he is devoted to God, passionate in his religion, and effective in the pulpit. Of the four major characters in this novel, who investigates the nature of evil and sin and is a criticism of Puritan rigidity and intolerance, Dimmesdale is the only Puritan. In Puritan terms, Dimmesdales predicament is that he is unsure of his souls status: He is exemplary in performing his duties as a Puritan minister and an indicator. However, he knows he has sinned and considers himself as a hypocrite.The minister well knew-subtle, but remorseless hypocrite that he was!”. It was his custom, too, as it has been that of many other religious men, to fast-not, however, like them, in order to purify the body and render it the fitter medium of godly illumination, but rigorously, and until his knees trembled beneath him, as an act of apology. (Hawthorne 2007: 122)As a minister, Dimmesdale has a voice that consoles and an ability to sway audiences. His followers adore him and his parishioners seek his advice. As a minister, Dimmesdale must be above reproach, and there is no question that he excels at his profession and enjoys a reputation among his congregation and other ministers. Aside his soul, he does do good works. His ministry aims people at leading good lives. If he publicly confesses, he would lose his ability and reputation. So he hesitates to confess his sin. Dimmesdales struggle is dark and his penance is horrifying as he tries to unravel his mystery.At the end of the story, the writer puts the moral which presses upon the reader from the poor ministers miserable experience into one sentence, “Be true! Be true! Be true! Show freely to the world, if not your worst, yet some trait whereby the worst many be inferred!” (ibid. 291)The towns idolization of him reaches new heights after his Election Day sermon, which is his last. In his death, Dimmesdale becomes even more of an icon than he was in life. Many believe his confession was a symbolic act, while others believe Dimmesdales fate was an example of divine judgment.1.3 Symbolic Meanings of Roger ChillingworthRoger Chillingworth is a symbol of revenge and true evil. As his name suggests, Roger Chillingworth is a man deficient in human warmth. His twisted, stooped, deformed shoulders mirror his distorted soul. Hawthorne begins building this symbol of evil vengeance with Chillingworths first appearance in the novel by associating him with deformity, wildness and mysterious power. This figure was slightly deformed, with the left shoulder a trifle higher than the right.(Ibid.25)By the Indians side, and evidently sustaining a companionship with him, stood a white man, wearing a strange disarray of civilized and savage costume.There was a remarkable intelligence in his features, Very soon, however, his look became keen and curious. His face darkened with some powerful emotion. (Hawthorne 2007: 26)From the description of his early years with Hester, the reader is told that he was a difficult husband. He ignored his wife for much of the time, yet expected her to nourish his soul with affection when he did condescend to spend time with her. Chillingworths decision to assume the identity of a “leech,” or doctor, is fitting. Unable to engage in equitable relationships with those around him, he feeds on the vitality of others as a way of energizing his own projects. Chillingworths death is a result of the nature of his character. After Dimmesdale dies, Chillingworth no longer has a victim. Similarly, Dimmesdales revelation that he is Pearls father removes Hester from the old mans clutches. Having lost the objects of his revenge, the leech has no choice but to die.Ultimately, Chillingworth represents true evil. He is associated with secular and sometimes illicit forms of knowledge, as his chemical experiments and medical practices occasionally verge on witchcraft and murder. He is interested in revenge, not justice, and he seeks the deliberate destruction of others rather than a redress of wrongs. His desire to hurt others stands in contrast to Hester and Dimmesdales sin, which had love, not hate, as its intent. Any harm that may have come from the young lovers deed was unanticipated and inadvertent, whereas Chillingworth reaps deliberate harm.1.4 Symbolic Meanings of PearlPearl is one of the most complicated figures in the story. Throughout the novel, she develops with a dynamic symbolic meaning. She is the living symbol of the scarlet letter and acts as a constant reminder of Hesters sin. When Hawthorne first described Pearl, she is immediately drawn to the scarlet letter “A” on Hesters bosom.But the first object of which Pearl seemed to become aware was the scarlet letter on Hesters bosom. One day, as her mother stooped over the cradle, the glimmering of the gold embroidery about the letter and putting up her little hand, she grasped at it, smiling not doubtfully, but with a decided gleam.” (Hawthorne 2007: 14) Beginning at infancy, Pearl serves as a reminder of her sin. Hawthorne shows this symbolic meaning in Chapter seven:Pearl and Hester go to the Governors house and Pearls attire inevitably reminded the beholder of the token which Hester Prynne was doomed to wear upon her bosom. It was the scarlet letter in another form; the scarlet letter endowed with life! (Ibid. 70) Pearl is dressed in a scarlet dress with gold fringe exactly resembling the scarlet “A” on Hesters bosom. Pearl represents the scarlet letter not only symbolically but also literally. Hester says that Pearl is the living scarlet letter, and she causes Hester more anguish than the scarlet letter itself. Pearl is equally a symbol of sin for Dimmesdale. Dimmesdale is Pearls father but he does not admit it publicly. In Pearls eyes, until Dimmesdale acts as her father she will not accept him in her life. Acting like a father, Dimmesdale must acknowledge his sin publicly. “Will you stand here with mother and me tomorrow at noon?” (Ibid.132) Here Pearl is asking Dimmesdale to stand with them, and come open to the public. But Pearl laughed aloud and said, “You were not bold! You were not true! You would not promise to take my hand, and mothers hand, tomorrow at noon!”(Ibid. 138) while Dimmessdale answered no. To some extent, Pearl leads Hester and Dimmesdale to accept their sin. Pearl is a rebellious child and a reminder of her mother and fathers sin. The real Pearl is the inquisitive, intelligent, and beautiful creature. She becomes the symbol for salvation in this novel. She contributes largely to the themes of the novel through her peculiar behavior.2. Symbolic Meanings of ObjectsIn The Scarlet Letter, most of the objects that are described have many symbolic meanings. The novel is filled with light and darkness symbols because it represents the most common battle of all time, good versus evil. A final example occurs in the way Hester and Dimmesdale can not acknowledge their love in front of others. When they meet in the woods, they feel that, “No golden light had ever been so precious as the gloom of this dark forest.”(Hawthorne 2007: 199) This emotion foretells that they will never last together openly because their sin has separated them too much from normal life. 2.1 Symbolic Meanings of Letter “A”In The Scarlet Letter, the letter “A”, the spirit of novel, builds up the framework and launches a close link between the human relationships. The letter “A” manifests in a variety of forms and places. The novel begins and ends both with the letter “A” with its conspicuous symbolic meanings. In the novel, the letter appear