The Scarlet Letter Graphic Novel adapts the original story by emphasizing the visual symbols. The scarlet letter itself is not just a written concept but a visual one that is constantly in the reader's view. The adaptation also changes the way we experience the relationships between characters. In the graphic novel, the body language and the proximity of the characters in the panels can show the tension or connection between them more immediately. This is different from the original where we have to rely more on the written descriptions of their interactions. It also modernizes the story in a sense, making it more accessible to a wider audience, especially those who are more visually oriented.
The graphic novel adaptation of The Scarlet Letter focuses on key scenes. It might cut out some of the more tangential parts of the original story to keep the narrative flowing. For instance, it will surely include the scene where Hester first stands on the scaffold with the scarlet letter, but it might not go into as much detail about some of the minor characters' backstories as the original. The visuals also add a new dimension. The way the characters are drawn can give a different interpretation of their personalities compared to what we might imagine from just reading the words.