Explain the symbolism of the tombstone.

The tombstone is symbolic is a few different ways. First, it symbolizes the connection between Chillingworth and Hester during their lifetime. The state of the stone, the deterioration, symbolizes how old their story is. Lastly, their is a space between their graves, which resprents their separation during life.

It was near that old and sunken grave, yet with a space between, as if the dust of the two sleepers had no right to mingle.