"Scarlet Letter" Forest Theme
Freedom in the Forest - A fundamental theme in the Scarlet Letter In Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, life is centered on a rigid Puritan society in which one is unable to divulge his or her innermost thoughts and secrets. Every human being needs the opportunity to express how he or she truly feels; otherwise, the emotions are bottled up until they become volatile. Unfortunately, Puritan society did not permit this kind of expression; thus, characters had to seek alternate means to relieve their personal anguishes and desires. Luckily, at least for the four main characters, Hawthorne provides such a sanctuary in the form of a mysterious forest. Hawthorne uses the forest to provide a kind of "shelter" for members of society in need of a refuge from daily Puritan life. In the deep, dark portions of the forest, many of the pivotal characters bring forth hidden thoughts and emotions. The forest track leads away from the settlement out into the wilderness where all signs of civilization vanish. This is precisely the escape route from strict mandates of law and religion, to a refuge where men, as well as women, can open up and be themselves. It is here that Dimmesdale openly acknowledges Hester and his undying love f
Puritan society can be harsh and crippling to one's inner self. Yet here, in the forest, they can throw away all reluctance and finally be themselves under the umbrella of security that exists. Where else could an absurdity such as this occur, but in an accepting environment? What other platform is there for a man of high regard in the community to pour his soul to a woman who is shunned by the public for a grave sin? Nowhere else but in the forest could such an event occur. The beautiful, attractive person who is not afraid to show her hair and not afraid to display her beauty has returned. It was here that thoughts and ideas flowed as endlessly as the babbling brook, and emotion was as wild as the forest itself. Hester, assuming a new position of power, gives a heartfelt, moving speech. Finally, the forest brings out the natural appearance and natural personality of the people who use it correctly. Finally, it is here that the two of them can openly engage in conversation without being preoccupied with the constraints that Puritan society places on them. When Hester takes off her cap and loosens her hair, we see a new person. The forest itself is the very embodiment of freedom. The questions she asks are also articulate questions, which Dimmesdale would pose during his sermons.
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