SYMBOLISM IN SCARLET LETTER NOVEL BY
NATHANIEL HAWTHORNE
A THESIS
Submitted In Partial Fulfillment Of The Requirements For The Degree Of Sarjana Sastra
By
RUMONDANG SIMAMORA
REG. NO. 05410102
ENGLISH LITERATURE AND DEPARTMENT
FACULTY OF LANGUAGES AND ARTS
DECLARATION
Except where appropriately acknowledgement, this thesis is my own work, has been expressed in my own words and has not previously been submitted for assessment.
I understand that this paper may be screened electronically, or otherwise for plagiarism.
Medan, August 2012
ACKNOW LEDGEM ENT
Nothing but the biggest thanks the writer would like to express to Jesus Christ, her provider for the bless, ability, strength, and protection, that the writer has been granted during completing the thesis so that she is be able to fulfill one of the requirements for the degree of Sarjana Sastra at the English Department, Faculty of Language and Arts, State University of Medan.
The writer would like to express he sincerest gratitude to :
Prof. Dr. Ibnu Hajar, M.Si., the Head of State University of Medan.
Dr. Isda Pramuniati, M.Hum., as the Dean of Languages and Arts
Faculty of State University of Medan.
Prof. Dr. Hj. Sumarsih, M.Pd., as the Head of English Department, Dra. Rahmah, M.Hum., the Secretary of English Department.
Dra.Yunita Agnes Sianipar M.Hum., her consultant, who has given
so many supports, patience guidance, and advices, also for being mentor during the process of accomplishing this thesis.
All lecturers of English department whom the writer respects.
Her beloved parents, B. Simamora(+) and A.br.Situmorang for
their financial, moral and spiritual supports.this thesis is dedicated for them so that they can see their daughter has changed from nothing to something. Her brothers Bripka A.Simamora and his wife,Briptu R.
Simamora and his wife,and Thomas Simamora for their prays,
loves, supports, cares,and also for being the best friend.
Her little family, her lovely husband Lindung Parulian Simarmata M.H and her lovely and funny sons Zeva and Biel for their loves.
Her big family, Tulang and Nantulang Tessa, Tante and Uda Lia, Maktua, Dion, Siska, Uli, Nuel and also to Aiptu.L Simarmata and T.R br Pardede for their supports.
Her friends in Applied Linguistics AB ‘05, and everyone that cannot
be written, for the sharing, friendship, love, help and support.
ii
ABSTRACT
Rumondang Simamora 05410102. Symbolism in Scarlet Letter Novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne. A Thesis. English Department. Faculty of Language and Arts. State University of Medan. 2012.
iii
A. Background of the Study ...1
B. Problem of the Study ...5
C. Objective of the Study ...5
D. The Scope of the Study ...6
E. The Significance of the Study ...6
CHAPTER II REVIEW OF LITERATURE ...7
A. Theoretical Framework ...7
1. Semiotic ...7
2. The Differences between Sign and Symbol ...10
3. Symbol ...11
4. Symbolism in Literature ...17
5. The Characteristics of Symbols ...19
6. Types of Symbols ...21
7. Kinds of Symbol ...23
8. Examples of Symbolism ...25
CHAPTER III RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ...29
A. Research Design ...29
B. Population and Sample ...29
1. Population ...29
2. Sample ...30
3. The Technique of Collecting Data ...30
4. The Technique of Analyzing Data ...30
CHAPTER IV THE DATA AND THE DATA ANALYSIS ...32
4. The Symbol of the Characters Novel ...37
5. The Symbol of the Scarlet Letter “A” ...38
iv
CHAPTER V CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTIONS ...41
A. Conclusion ...41
B. Suggestions ...41
REFERENCES ...43
APPENDIXES ...45
v
LIST OF TABLE
Table 4.1 The dominant kind of symbol in Nathaniel Hawthorne Scarlet Letter
1
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
A. The Background of the Study
Literature is a social institution, using as its medium languages, a social
creation. Literature is the background of real life. Through literature, we will
come to know more about life. Based on its parts, literature is divided into three
kinds namely: theory of literature, the history of literature and literary criticism.
Literary criticism is a part of literature that consists of comprehension,
interpretation and intellectual activity of literary works.
Literature is divided in three parts namely: prose, poetry and drama. This
thesis focuses on prose in the form of novel. Understanding a novel requires
strong motivation on the part of the reader to learn what is presented by the
author.
In doing writing, most writers commonly have a challenge to win their
readers. Readers’ interest in consuming a writer’s novel becomes part of
important thing for the writer. In addition, the writer’s style to arrange his/ her
imagination through the novel becomes an important point for the readers. That is
why some writers keep maintaining their style in writing to get closer to the
readers by expressing their idea. The words that have been arranged by a writer
attract a readers’ interest, so that he/ she will read the novel.
Style is thus not a phenomenon that is restricted to literature. One of
writing style that often be found in the novel is the use of symbolism. Language
2
word is a symbol; the five letters that form the word 'chair' represent a sound as
well as a physical object.
Symbolism in literature is the deepness and hidden meaning in a piece of
work. It is often used to represent a moral or religious belief or value. Without
symbolism literature is just a bunch of meaningless words on paper. By the reason
above, many novels written in such of symbolism regarded as the language which
is close to human daily communication.
A symbol has complex meaning; it has not only "literal" meaning, but also
additional meaning(s) beyond the literal. Sometimes the literal meaning of a
symbol is absurd, so that the symbolic meaning over-rides and cancels out the
literal meaning. A symbol may have more than one meaning. In fact, the most
significant symbols do convey an indefinite range of meanings.
Using such an image only aims at indirectly referring to the abstract idea
of justice which exists outside of such a representation. On the other hand, the
symbol has a syncretic value: it represents and signifies at the same time, it fuses
the object and its secondary meaning.
In writing, symbolism is the use of a word, a phrase, or a description,
which represents a deeper meaning than the words themselves. This kind of
extension of meaning can transform the written word into a very powerful
instrument. Symbols are techniques authors use to provide a rich under current to
their theme and message. Symbols can express deeper meaning and richer import
than straight explanations can because of the images symbols and associations
3
Lombardi states, in literature, symbolism is used to provide meaning to
the writing beyond what is actually being described. The plot and action that take
place in a story can be thought of as one level, while the symbolism of certain
things in the writing acts on another level to enhance the story. The author uses an
object or reference to add deeper meaning to a story. Symbolism in literature is
one of the many tools that writers employ in order to generate not only interest in
one's work but also to create another level of meaning.
(http://classiclit.about.com/od/literaryterms/g/aa_whatisliter.htm)
Symbolism is the practice or art of using an object or a word to represent
an abstract idea. An action, person, place, word, or object can all have a symbolic
meaning. When an author wants to suggest a certain mood or emotion, he can also
use symbolism to hint at it, rather than just blatantly saying it. Symbolism consists
of using a single object within a story that stands for something else. A literary
symbol is something that has greater meaning than its mere literal significance in
a story or poem.
In writing, symbolism is the use of a word, a phrase, or a description,
which represents a deeper meaning than the words themselves. This kind of
extension of meaning can transform the written word into a very powerful
instrument.
Many authors embed subtle images into their work to make it deeper,
richer, more meaningful and colorful. Authors may also use symbolism to allude
4
Authors often use symbolism to communicate a deeper idea than they actually
write.
Symbolism is an object used by an author to open doors of meaning. They
use objects, actions, and characters to give more meaning to the thing itself. In
literature, characters can symbolize something of a deeper meaning. Symbolism
helps readers connect the story to other main ideas.
(http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Why_do_authors_use_symbols#htm )
Authors insert symbols into their writing to allude to a feeling, mood or
attitude without directly stating the perspective or mood intended. Symbolism is
supplemental to the story. Some people believe that some symbols have a
universal range of meaning; that is, like Jung in Cirlot (1971:51), they believe that
some symbols occur with the same meaning across individual and cultural
boundaries.
Symbols are techniques authors use to provide a rich undercurrent to their
theme and message. Symbols can express deeper meaning and richer import than
straight explanations can because of the images symbols and associations evoke.
For example, the Alps evoke strong images of might, loftiness, purity, freedom, so
a heroine who regularly wears a necklace with a pendant shaped as part of the
Alps will be strongly associated with the qualities ascribed to the Alpine
Mountains.
Therefore, Salinger used symbols in order to give a deeper, richer fabric
5
up.(http://www.enotes.com/catcher-in-the-rye/discuss/why-does-author-use-symbols-show-holdens-stru-htm)
The most symbolic piece of work in American Literature is Nathaniel
Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter. Hawthorne’s use of symbolism in The Scarlet
Letter is one of the most significant contributions to the rise of American
Literature.
Much of Hawthorne's symbolism is very hard to find but several symbols
are also obvious. Nathaniel Hawthorne's use of symbolism in The Scarlet Letter
shows his greatness to produce a novel of the highest possible caliber
By analyzing the symbolic meaning in this novel, it will clarify the
universal value of the story in the novel and the hidden value of the symbol is
worth knowing because it concerns with the social life.
B. The Problems of the study
The problems, which will be analyzed in this study, are:
1. What are the kinds of symbolism in Nathaniel Hawthorne Scarlet Letter
novel?
2. Why Authors Use Symbolism in Nathaniel Hawthorne Scarlet Letter
novel?
C. The Objectives of the study
The objectives of the study are:
1. To find out the kinds of symbolism in Nathaniel Hawthorne Scarlet Letter
6
2. To find out the reason why the authors use symbols in Nathaniel
Hawthorne Scarlet Letter novel.
D. The Scope of the study
The Scope of the study is focused on symbolic meaning which is presented
by the characters and some places and the scarlet letter ‘A’ in the novel, to show
humanity's attitude and the hidden value of the symbol which is worth knowing
because it concerns with the social life.
E. The Significance of the study
By analyzing the symbols in Scarlet Letter novel, we will understand some
symbols in it which have hidden meaning. The writer also expects that the finding
of this study give some advantages for students of language who are interesting in
study about symbolism, so they may understand easily about symbolism in novel.
And also to the teachers or lecturers who are teaching prose.
41
CHAPTER V
CONCLUSIONS AND SUGGESTIONS
A. Conclusions
Based on the data analysis on the previous chapter, there are some points
of the result that can be drawn:
1. The writer found that Nathaniel Hawthorne Scarlet Letter Novel is the
novel with much symbolism. To show humanity’s attitude and the hidden
value of the symbol, this is worth knowing because it concerns with the
social life.
2. There are five kinds of symbols in Nathaniel Hawthorne Scarlet Letter
Novel that is place, nature, color, character, and he symbol of the letter
“A”.
3. The percentage of each kinds of symbol: the symbol of place is 15, 7%,
nature is 31, 5%, color is 10, 5 %, and character 21% and the symbol of
the letter “A” is 21%.
4. The dominant symbol which is finding in Nathaniel Hawthorne Scarlet
Letter Novel is the symbol of nature with the percentage is 31.5 %.
5. The meaning of each symbols are listed in the Chapter IV. Each meaning
of symbols was taken from dictionary and some experts.
B. Suggestions
The use of symbolism in Nathaniel Hawthorne Scarlet Letter novel may be
one of many ways to attract the readers with the stylistic language, and also the
writing act on another level to or by using symbolism, the author makes its
42
1. All these things can bring a relevant fact of human personality, natural
indifference to human suffering, false ambition, human duty, or the
romanticism of youth.
2. Symbolism in literature is the deepness and hidden meaning in a piece of
work. It is often used to represent a moral or religious belief or value.
3. Letter the effectiveness of symbolism in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s, The
Scarlet Letter adds to the story. Hawthorne uses symbolism in many ways
throughout this novel. By adding this marvelous feature he makes it clear
to what he is trying to accomplish. To truly understand Hawthorne's
message, the reader must familiarize himself with the characters.
