Key Elements of "The Scarlet Letter"

Within nearly ever literary work lie certain key elements. For instance, most novels contain at least one element of conflict, and most also possess a main idea, or theme. Along with these key elements, one can also find "universal values" as a central portion of most novels or stories. Every novel has different universal value, some may focus on the nature of good versus evil, some may operate on the principles of greed, some may use love itself as a backdrop for the story, yet, most combine these values, offering a novel and story that is unique and interesting. Within The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, one can find various universal values, all of which carry with them a tremendous impact on the plot of the story.

Perhaps one of the most significant values that can be found in The Scarlet Letter is the simple battle of good versus evil. Note that throughout the novel, different people, ideas, places and objects consistently represent the abstract ideas of good and evil. Even in the earliest chapters of the novel, one can see the recurrent ideas of good and evil springing up. Note that in Chapter I, the image of the rosebush is presented as being beautiful, with "delicate gems" as flowers. Interestingly enough, it is very possible that the bush is used as a parallel with Hester Prynne. Several other important images in Chapter I can be found with the prison door, Anne Hutchinson, and nature itself.