Symbolism of the Scarlet Letter Authors sometimes use symbols in their novels to represent different objects, people or ideas. One example is the S on Superman's uniform, which symbolizes him being supper. In "The Scarlet Letter" Nathaniel Hawthorne creates the symbolism of the letter "A" to have different meanings. As the novel unfolds, the meanings of the letter "A" on Hester Prynne's bosom changes, from adultery to able to angel. In the beginning of the novel, Hawthorne describes the letter "A" that lies on Hester's bosom as a symbol of adultery. Hester is made to wear the letter "A" once the town's people see, tha