The Birthmark, The Minister’s Black Veil, And Young Goodman Brown: Symbolism

Part I of Essay
Symbolism is used throughout Hawthorne’s literary works. In the three short stories: The Birthmark, The Minister’s Black Veil, and Young Goodman Brown symbolism is used to show the thoughts of the Puritans in opposition to their beliefs. In the short story, Young Goodman ....

Part II of Essay
.... the puritan beliefs and goal of purification. The birthmark on his wife’s cheek is a symbol for perfection. Being the shape of a hand suggests to the townspeople that it is handprint from an angel, which may also mean that it is a symbol for good. The townspeople look at the birthmark as a blessing, but Aylmer sees it as an imperfection and seeks to rid of it in the same way the Puritans sought to perfect themselves. She dies as a result of his obsession and her death symbolizes that purification cannot be achieved. Hawthorne’s wri ....