At this point in the story, the letter "A" in the sky symbolizes Dimmesdale's hidden sin, at least hidden from the townspeople since Pearl and Chillingworth are aware of this brand. The red letter in the sky in this chapter and in part of the book is also considered the symbol of an angel, at least for the townspeople. They believe that the illuminated "A" in the sky symbolizes the death of their late Governor Winthrop and perhaps now he is an angel: "The good old minister has returned fresh from the burial chamber of Governor Winthrop, who had passed from earth to heaven. at this very hour. (Hawthorne 148) Throughout the novel, The Scarlet Letter, it is evident that the meaning of The Scarlet Letter has transformed into different things. Initially as a pure symbol of adultery and seen only as punishment, the scarlet letter later represented Abel and, although intended to punish Hester, it actually benefited him as a person. Nathaniel Hawthorne's decision to change the meaning of the red letter in the story helps drive the plot and adds depth and complexity to the narrative. From adultery and sin to strength and ability, the scarlet letter meaning is the driving force behind it all.