What does the author of "Speaking of Symbolism" want to know about symbols?

This paragraph below says what the author wants to know about symbols I think if its no hope sorry.

My definition of symbolism as used in this questionnaire is represented by this example: In The Scarlet Letter there are four major characters. Some say that Hawthorne meant those four to be Nature, Religion, Science or other similar symbols in disguise. They apply the actions of the four in the story to what is presently happening or will happen to Nature, Religion, Science, etc."