Relating directly to allegories is Hawthorne's use of symbolism in his stories. ... The Minister's Black Veil is the first of Hawthorne's stories in which the confrontation of a central symbol generates a principle of dramatic coherence and organization. ...
Critic Aurélie Guillain, Professor of American Literature at University of Toulouse, refers to Aylmer as "becom[ing] gradually convinced that the red mark on his wife's skin is the symbol of the innate depravity of human flesh" (49). ... By including this symbolism, Hawthorne is displaying criticism for the Puritan's belief in total depravity, which stressed the wickedness of human nature, not the embracement of man's imperfect nature. ... Although the birthmark may be perceived as a beautiful feature or as a flaw, this birthmark is a symbol of humanity and all ...
Additionally, as punishment for her adulterous crime she is forced to don a Scarlett "A" on her clothing as a constant reminder and symbol of her sin. ... Hawthorne's most notable attribute is perhaps his utilization of allegory and symbolism, which appear in almost all of his work, conveying his themes, messages and ultimately, the true purpose of his writing ("Hawthorne, Nathaniel"). ...
