Illnesses, such as Chillingworths’ physical deformity, have deeper meanings. Chillingworth’s shoulders may mirror his morality. A rebirth or “baptism” of character is implied when a person changes his or her name. Hester Prynne’s husband changing his name upon his return and discovery of Hester’s affair indicates that he does not wish to be known as the husband of an adulterer and has recreated himself as a different person entirely. Geography matters; it can represent the human mind. Hester and Pearl live on the edge of town in a concealed and isolated house. Hester feels she and her child are isolated from society and must remain out of sight; this is shown in her choice of home. Heart disease is rarely just heart disease. It signifies bad love, loneliness, cruelty, and cowardice. In Dimmesdale’s case, his heart condition is indicative of his lack of willingness to come …show more content…
He sucks the life from Dimmesdale through pressing him to reveal his secret -his affair with Hester- and in the process drains him of his health and well-being. It’s all political- Hester’s views on women's’ position in society are progressive for a woman living in the 1850s and more than likely reflect the views of Hawthorne himself. In this scene, the impending storm is more than just a comment on the weather, It is symbolic of the burden of a hidden affair that Hester and Dimmesdale are carrying, and the impending doom, or storm, to come. Actions, objects, and images can all be symbolic. There is an association built between events that occur during the day or in light versus during the night or in the dark. Socially unacceptable interactions occur only where they can be hidden. Light and daytime are associated with vulnerability. Dimmesdale is a Christ figure, and an ironic one too; he is seen as sinless by his community that values him as a minister, while truly he has committed sin (adultery). He must die in agony as a result of