Scaffold vs. Foliage
Nathaniel Hawthorne, an author who is known for his 'wordy' novels, such as The Scarlet Letter, chooses to include symbolism as a great aspect of his writing. In The Scarlet Letter, Hawthorne uses the symbols of the scaffold and the forest to depict the battles, which have challenged many of the characters internally. The scaffold in the center of the market place represents the harsh reality of the Puritan society. The forest, which is dark and gloomy, symbolizes the moods of some characters, as well as, an escape from the harsh judgment of civilization. Arthur Dimmesdale, a distressed individual, is troubled by the guilt that eats away at his mental and physical health. His dilemma and his struggles against his sin become evident in three scaffold scenes. In each of theses scenes, a progression is formed in which Dimmesdale first denies then accepts and fin
Without an escape, Hawthorne's characters would have never come to life completely. In the woods, there is no one looking to report misbehavior or to judge, it is there that people may do as they wish. It is in the woods that people face their innermost feelings and emotions. In the middle of the book, Dimmesdale is able to stand up on the scaffold in the dead of night only to share his guilt with the sleeping town. That is why Hester and her daughter, Pearl, chose to live outside of town and outside of the forest so that they can get the better of two worlds. With the suffering of Hester, guilt and regret overcome Dimmesdale. The knowledge that Hester has of the truth is a somewhat of a threat to the Casino 2townspeople. The Puritan society, represented by the scaffold, is harsh and belittling to one's own self. It is in the woods where the truth surfaces of an undying love and where reluctance is thrown away so that nature may provide a blanket of security. To Hester Prynne, the scaffold represents shame and punishment of her wrong doings. As their love becomes rekindled, hope and energy triumph over his troubles. This is the importance an idea such as the forest. The real Hester, who had been hidden under shame and regret, had been reintroduced.
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Nathaniel Hawthorne,
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