what were the symbols in the book

The scarlet letter symbolizes a number of things; shame, adultery, identity, able, and finally importance.

The community believes the meteor symbolizes an angel (the governor has just died, and they believe his entrance into heaven is the cause of the meteor. Dimmesdale thinks the meteor is a sign that he should bear a mark of shame just as Hester does.

Pearl is a precious jewel; she represents her mother's greatest sin and greatest joy.