In Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, life is centered

around 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 the 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.

intrusion from people means no disturbance in the natural order, and

sustaining the belief that he is above Hester. He is finally admitting

never be mentioned in any place other than the forest. "What we

shame. Her eyes grow radiant and a flush comes to her cheek. We

wilderness... until, some few miles hence, the yellow leave will show

would be unthinkable for them to comfort each other. Yet, in the

hemmed in, as you are, on every side by prohibitions. Why, you can

to life, if only for a short time, and he is now hopeful and

appears. She openly talks with Dimmesdale about subjects which would

sermons. "Begin all anew! ... Preach! Write! Act!"(p. 188) The

the forest, they can throw away all reluctance and finally be

an accepting environment? What other platform is there for a man of

person who is not afraid to show her hair and not afraid to display

preoccupied with the constraints that Puritan society places on them.

and religion. What good have they done you anyway? Look at you, a

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Approximate Word count = 1141
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)