what does the rose bush symbolize?

While Hawthorne does not, in his story, offer an obvious answer to the meaning of the rosebush, we can surmise several things. It is possible that the rosebush symbolizes Hester who, in spite of everything, has not given in to the rigid judgmental system of the Puritan theocracy. Red roses often symbolize passion,and certainly Hester's pregnancy is evidence of a passion she has experienced. The beauty of the rose and the beauty of the scarlet A shows a kind of beauty not evident in the self-righteous people of the community. Finally, it shows that something beautiful can grow in the coldest of climates.