The Scarlet Letter: Symbolism In The Forest :: essays research papers

The Scarlet Letter Symbolism in the Forest     "The path strangled onward into the mystery of the primeval woods"(179).This sentence displays just one of the multiple personalities that the timbersymbolizes in The Scarlet Letter written by Nathaniel Hawthorn. As seen in theepic story sorcerous of OZ, the forest represents a place of evil and delight, butin the Scarlet Letter the forest symbolizes much more then that. Each characterbrings step up a different side of the forest, however the forest also brings out adifferent side in each character. For virtually the forest may be a place ofsinister thoughts and wrong doing, but for others it is a place of happiness andfreedom.     The first encounter with the forest we have symbolizes just some of theevil that lingers within the darkness of the forest. As Hester and Pearl areleaving governor Bellinghams estate they are confronted by mistress Hibbins whoexplains that the witches are meeting in the forest, and she then invites Hesterto become more deeply involved with her evil ways. "Wilt thou go with ustonight"(113) asked mistress Hibbins, yet Hester refused to sign her call in theblack mans book on that night. She explains that the only reason she does notsign is because Pearl is still in her life. At this time the forest itself is aopen door to another world, a wicked world that would take her away from herpresent situation, but that is not the only door that the forest holds.     The forest is an open door to love and freedom for both Hester andDimmesdale. It is a place where the letter on their bodies can no longer havean effect on them if they choose. A world ruled by nature and governed bynatural law as opposed to the artificial strict community with its man dopuritan laws. Its as if the forest represents a key to the shackles the Hesterand Dimmesdale have been forced to wear, all that they have to do is unlock it.Although if they choose not to unlock them, they set out to dwell on the thingsthat they have done to deserve the shackles. In this the forest represents athing of truth, weather it be good or bad.     In pearls eye the forest has a totally different concept. To Pearl theforest is like a best friend. It treats her as if she were one of its own. Theanimals do not runaway at her ever move, instead they come to her with open arms.The light is chasing her no matter where she goes.