We parsed the novel's recondite opening essay "The Custom House." . First, we noted how this introduction creates the structure of the narrative, a story within a story ,with the novel itself as the underlying narrative. Noting how the author's persona stumbles upon the narrative of the scarlet letter, we discussed how the scarlet letter's ornate and decorative appearance suggests its wearer was honored by her society. We began to analyze how the interpretation of symbols as well as the use of art as a tool of expiation are central themes of the novel.