Introduction
Symbolism and allegory are powerful literary devices that enrich the depth and meaning of a narrative. Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter” and F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” are masterpieces of American literature that skillfully employ these elements to explore complex themes of love, guilt, and societal norms. In “The Scarlet Letter,” the scarlet letter A and the forest act as symbols that reflect the characters’ struggles and the contrasting values of Puritan society. On the other hand, in “The Great Gatsby,” the green light, Gatsby’s parties, and the valley of ashes serve as allegorical representations of the American Dream and the pursuit of wealth and happiness.
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Supporting Paragraph 1 – “The Scarlet Letter”
The scarlet letter A is the central symbol of “The Scarlet Letter,” representing the sin of adultery committed by Hester Prynne. As a badge of shame, it serves as a constant reminder of her transgression and societal condemnation. The finely embroidered A with gold-colored thread showcases the paradox between the beautiful craftsmanship and the ugly sin it signifies. This symbol embodies the tension between appearance and reality, emphasizing the hypocrisy of a society that pretends to be virtuous while harboring hidden sins.
Supporting Paragraph 2 – “The Great Gatsby”
In “The Great Gatsby,” the green light at the end of Daisy Buchanan’s dock is a recurring symbol that encapsulates Gatsby’s unattainable dream and his relentless pursuit of wealth and love. Positioned across the bay from Gatsby’s mansion, the green light represents the future, hope, and the American Dream. Gatsby associates the light with Daisy, as it stands for his aspirations to recapture the past and be reunited with his lost love. However, like the dream he chases, the green light remains distant and unattainable, underscoring the theme of the impossibility of reliving the past.
Supporting Paragraph 3 – “The Scarlet Letter”
The forest in “The Scarlet Letter” functions as a contrasting setting to the rigid Puritan society, symbolizing freedom, authenticity, and the primal state of humanity. When Hester and Dimmesdale meet in the forest, they shed their societal roles and pretenses, allowing their true selves to emerge. Here, they find solace and a connection that transcends societal conventions. The forest symbolizes the innate human desire for liberty and the potential for redemption outside the confines of Puritan constraints.
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Supporting Paragraph 4 – “The Great Gatsby”
Gatsby’s extravagant parties are a significant allegorical element in “The Great Gatsby,” symbolizing the excesses and superficiality of the Jazz Age. The lavish gatherings, characterized by ostentatious displays of wealth and hedonism, illustrate the emptiness and moral decay that lurk beneath the facade of prosperity. Gatsby’s parties represent the illusion of happiness and the pursuit of pleasure as a means of escape from reality.
Supporting Paragraph 5 – “The Scarlet Letter”
The contrasting color symbolism in “The Scarlet Letter” serves to enhance the story’s themes and characters. The color red, embodied by the scarlet letter A, represents passion, sin, and guilt. It signifies the complexity of human emotions and the consequences of indulging in forbidden desires. In contrast, the color green, often associated with nature and freedom, embodies the hope and possibility of redemption for Hester and Dimmesdale, offering a glimmer of optimism amidst the darkness of their sins.
Supporting Paragraph 6 – “The Great Gatsby”
The valley of ashes in “The Great Gatsby” serves as a grim allegory for the moral decay and social inequality of the 1920s. Positioned between the affluent West Egg and East Egg, and New York City, the valley of ashes represents the bleak reality faced by the working class in a society obsessed with wealth and excess. The ashen landscape, strewn with industrial waste, symbolizes the desolation and disillusionment experienced by those excluded from the prosperity of the Jazz Age.
Supporting Paragraph 7 – “The Scarlet Letter”
Throughout “The Scarlet Letter,” Hester Prynne emerges as a symbol of resilience, compassion, and individualism. Despite society’s scorn, Hester remains unrepentant for her sin, asserting the sanctity of her love for Dimmesdale. She embodies the idea that true virtue lies not in conforming to societal norms but in embracing one’s authentic self. Her dignified acceptance of the scarlet letter empowers her to rise above societal judgment, silencing her critics with her strength and compassion.
Conclusion
“The Scarlet Letter” and “The Great Gatsby” demonstrate the profound impact of symbolism and allegory on literary works. The scarlet letter A, the green light, the forest, Gatsby’s parties, and the valley of ashes all serve as powerful symbols that enrich the narratives and explore timeless themes of love, guilt, and the pursuit of the American Dream. Through these symbolic elements, Hawthorne and Fitzgerald delve deep into the complexities of human nature and societal constructs, providing readers with enduring insights into the human condition and the eternal struggle between appearance and reality. Both novels stand as testaments to the enduring power of symbolism and allegory in shaping the interpretation and understanding of literature.
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