Symbolism in dreams is interpreted by viewing ourselves and around the world us, it is a comparison that is brought to life by association. Similar to dreams, in literature they are used to better understand the underlying reasons for different actions or happenings that occur. In Lecture X, it said that symbols are stable translations that assist interpretation. The Interpretation of Dreams written by Freud, highlights the importance of dream symbolism and how it can be used to reveal inner desires and impulses. He states that nothing you do happens by chance; and all actions and thoughts are intertwined and controlled by some inner desire.(http://books.google.com/books?id=Sfz0l6WSqFgC&pg=PA183&lpg=PA183&dq=Introductory+Lecture+%22Symbolism+i#v=onepage&q=Introductory%20Lecture%20%22Symbolism%20i&f=false) By using dream interpretation in literature we can see the "id" (inner impulses, pleasures, desires, and urges) of the different characters.(http://www.dreammoods.com/dreaminformation/dreamtheory/freud.htm) This helps us better understand their motives and reasons for certain actions. It allows the reader to view the literature in a different way, further exposing them to hidden symbols.
The male genitals are represented in dreams as being anxious about someone or something in your life. Some of the common symbols are sticks, pencils, weapons, or fountains. The more difficult to understand but also the more popular is the symbol of reptiles, especially the snake.(http://www.dreamforth.com/search.php?query=snake&page) The snake in dreams represents repressed sexual desire or an inner conflict about how to express or experience ones sexuality. Snakes resemble the original sin, for it was a snake that convinced Adam and Eve to eat the apple.
Roger Chillingworth is introduced and his facial features are described as "A writhing horror twisted itself across his features, like a snake gliding swiftly over them, and making one little pause, with all its wreathed intervolutions in open sight." (57) He is described similarly to a snake which symbolizes the male genitals. But if looked at more in depth the word choice also represents those that describe snakes. Intervolution is the state of being coiled up, very similar to the shape of snakes when they are coiled up. Snakes represent the original sin which is a symbol for all of our sins. Roger Chillingworth stands for temptation, evil intentions, and all other sinful desires that one may have. By hiding his true identity he is "slithering" around. The snake in dreams or literature can represent someone who is heartless or evil, and in this case Roger Chillingworth is plotting revenge against Hester and is a cruel person.
The female genitals can be represented by jewels and treasures. They stand for someone who is loved deeply by the person or character being observed. (http://books.google.com/books?id=Sfz0l6WSqFgC&pg=PA183&lpg=PA183&dq=Introductory+Lecture+%22Symbolism+i) By naming Hester's daughter Pearl it symbolizes that Pearl is a treasure and worth a lot to her. "She had named the infant Pearl, as being of great price,-purchased with all she had,- her mother's only treasure!" (81) She is all Hester has and is the richest thing in her life. It is ironic that society punished her for her terrible sin, yet the sin graced her with a wonderful gift. Pearl is someone who is invaluable to her because the price she had to pay for her was her reputation and dignity. Hester passed along her stubborness, passion, and curiosity to her baby. Pearl is aware she is different, while her mother may consider her a gem, society views her as an outcast and as a product of sin. Even though she is a lovely child that is her mother's world, she is also a constant reminder that she was what caused the scarlet letter to be branded into Hester's life permanently.
http://www.dreamforth.com/search.php?query=snake&page=1
http://books.google.com/books?id=Sfz0l6WSqFgC&pg=PA183&lpg=PA183&dq=Introductory+Lecture+%22Symbolism+i
http://www.dreammoods.com/dreaminformation/dreamtheory/freud.htm
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