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       Both Nathaniel Hawthorne, author of the novel The Scarlet Letter, and Author Miller, author of the play Death of a Salesman, used literary techniques to explain specific details in both stories.  These techniques include symbolism, imagery, and metaphors.  Both authors used these techniques to allow the reader have a better understanding of the tone and setting as well as the dilemma surrounding the characters.

        In the play Death of a Salesman, the author uses symbolism through out the story.  During the play, William Loman’s wife Linda was repairing a warn pair of stockings.  When William saw her mending the stockings he grabbed them and threw them out.  This is a metaphor of Williams desire to be free from dept and troubles.  Willy had an affair with a client and gave a new pair of stockings to her, which were originally meant for his wife Linda.  This symbolizes that his job is more important then his family.

        In the novel The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel uses literary techniques to create a more meaningful story line.  In the beginning of the play the author described a rose hat was near the front gate of the prison to illustrate that something positive can come out of the negative.  The scarlet letter itself symbolizes that Hester was proud of her deed because of all the time and consideration it took to create the letter.  Pearl at one point told her mother that a black man would walk a forest and paint his mark upon peopled bosom.  This was a symbolic representation of Arthur Dimsdale because he also wore black and often walked through the forest along with the fact that he had committed the sin with Hester.

        Both stories featured characterization.  In the play Death of a Salesman, Willy Loman depicted as a man whose goal in life was to be well liked by all.  Willy stated that he was important when he was younger.  In the novel The Scarlet Letter, Pearl was illustrated as a demonic child.  The author depicts this by her actions but also because of the sin committed that conceived the child.

        Both authors used literary techniques through the play to interpret the situations in which the characters faced.  Each technique was used to bestow upon the reader a better understanding of the surroundings and tone of the story lines.

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