Although commonly associated with Nazism, the Gammadion Cross, otherwise known as the Swastika, was not always known for hatred, racism, and fascism (Alexander). The Swastika’s origin comes from multiple old world religions and societies that state the symbol was a sign of good fortune (Alexander). This an example of how readily the original meaning of a symbol can change over time. In the Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, Hester Prynne, a Puritan woman of the seventeenth century, wears the iconic scarlet letter A as her punishment for committing adultery and bearing an illegitimate child. The letter serves as a symbol of her sin and exemplifies her disgrace within the community; however, years later it becomes a sign of being able to …show more content…
Without any attention stressing on the letter, the townspeople hardly acknowledge it anymore. During the election of the new governor, Indians present even misunderstood the symbol as one of high rank. The meaning shifts towards indeterminate and the idea of taking off the letter starts up among the magistrates. “It was debated whether or no, with safety to the common weal, yonder scarlet letter might be taken off your bosom. On my life, Hester, I made my entreaty to the worship magistrate that it might be done forthwith” (Hawthorne 153). Although the scarlet letter and the Swastika have concrete meanings, importance fades over time. It points out the pointlessness of symbols used as a punishment and, even though iconic, holds little meaning to the person as time passes.
Commonly, a symbol commences as a principle object of discussion, usually based on rational inquiry and deliberation. The scarlet letter undergoes three distinct changes throughout the book, much like the Swastika throughout cultures. Adverse or not, symbolism personifies as a deeper and more meaningful way of representing certain things. The world presently determines itself on the understanding of various symbols, and without them, the basis of human thought withholds little