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 for her. It is also here that Hester can do the same for Dimmesdale. 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.
             The forest itself is the very embodiment of freedom. Nobody watches in the woods to report misbehavior thus, it is here that people may do as they wish. To independent spirits such as Hest Prynne's, the wilderness beckons her to throw off the shackles of law and religion. Here she can escape the prohibitions that edge in on every side of her. Truly, Hester takes advantage of this, when Arthur Dimmesdale appears. She openly talks with Dimmesdale abo...