As regards the theory, we have found Samuel Johnson's words quite useful. The latter says, "Nothing detains the reader's attention more powerfully than deep involutions of distress, or sudden vicissitudes of fortune; and these might be abundantly afforded by memoirs of the sons of literature."2 Relying on his words, we have come to understand that behind any piece of literature, there is a writer, a "son of literature". The life of the latter is as much interesting as the work itself. .
In brief, both chapters deal with symbols found in characters, settings, objects and some proper nouns. On the one hand, the first chapter deals with symbols in relation to Romanticism in the nineteenth century. On the other hand, the second chapter deals with symbols in relation to Nathaniel Hawthorne's life. Thus, we will try to study them, and to link them to the author's life, thanks to biographies and the work of some critics. .
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Chapter One: Symbols and Romanticism.
Nathaniel Hawthorne, as a romantic writer, nurtures his works with symbols that reflect American romanticism. This technique allows the reader to have several interpretations of the work. While reading 'Rappaccini's Daughter' one notices many symbols through characters, objects and settings. Some of them aim to convey American romantic themes and features. Among them, there is rejection of science, clash between Nature and culture, notions of good and evil (duality), human nature, and the contradiction with and opposition to convention and religion.
One of the romantic ideas expressed in 'Rappaccini's Daughter' is the rejection of science. In the story, Rappaccini, the corrupted scientist, stands for this rejection. Through this character, the author shows the evil of the exaggerated use of science as a warning not to go beyond Nature's limits. He is presented to us as a scientist with a great ability and knowledge which violate the rules of Nature.
