The use of colors in The Scarlet Letter is one of the more obvious symbols in the plot. Hawthorne openly states the meanings in some instances. The color black is the color of sin and the devil. Black is the color cast in shadows, the color that Chillingworth, a man of pure evil, is referred to by, and the color worn by Dimmesdale. Dimmesdale wears black because he is a greater sinner for not openly accepting his original sin. Chillingworth is known as the "black man," as stated by Pearl, because he possesses the greatest sin possible. The title of the "black man" is also refers to the devil himself. Hester states this to Pearl in regard to her sin. Darkness is commonly known as a negative connotation and Hawthorne uses it extensively. The color red is the symbol of honesty and truth. Pearl i

The forest is a symbol of freedom from society and Puritan beliefs. Hester and Dimmesdale seek refuge in the forest to explore their inner thoughts. In the forest Hester brings out many hidden emotions, Hester shows her love for Dimmesdale. Dimmesdale is shocked and tries to hush Hester but realizes that he is in the safety of the forest and no one else may hear them. The act of Hester speaking to Dimmesdale openly in their society is unheard of. In the forest they may feel free to do as they wish and not have to worry about any one else knowing. In the forest all of these cares from normal life are thrown away. When Dimmesdale asks Hester for help he shows that he thinks of her as an equal. That may be one of the reasons Puritan society would not allow such displays of emotion because the man was supposed superior. Hester replies passionately with her plea to him as to not give up. "Begin all new! Preach! Write! Act! Do anything save to lie down and die!" The forest brings out the truth of its occupants. Hester even uses the forest to tell Pearl of how she came about the scarlet letter. "Wilt thou let me be at peace, once I tell thee." Hawthorne sends the message that somewhere somehow there will always be a place where the truth will come forward.

Hawthorne uses sunshine to symbolize purity, honesty, and hope and shadows to symbolize sin. Pearl is constantly in the sunlight. Her honesty makes her pure and protects her from sin. H

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Approximate Word count = 981
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)