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Scarlet Letter Forest Symbolism

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In the novel, The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, the symbolism that has been shown in the book represents something more than one can imagine or even greater. The forest plays a pre-dominate role in the plot where it brings out a deeper understanding and shows symbolism. Each of the characters can relate to the forest in different ways thus, bringing their emotions and feelings the character experiences. For some people, the forest may be considered an outskirt and a place of wrong doing, but for others, it is a place where they can be themselves. All in all, the forest shows symbolism that greatly impacts the characters throughout the story. To one of the main characters, Pearl, the forest is symbolized to be her only friend. Through the whole book, Pearl and her mother, Hester was disgraced and considered outcasts among the townspeople due to the scarlet letter that Hester bears on her breast every single day. “The woman has brought shame upon us all, and ought to die (46)”. With the taunts and disgraceful remarks that the townspeople make everyday, Pearl cannot live a normal life and make any friends due to her mother’s scar. However, when Pearl enters the forest, the forest greets her as one of her friends. “A partridge, indeed, with a brood of ten behind her, ran forward threateningly, but soon repented of her fierceness, and clucked to her young ones not be afraid. A pigeon, …show more content…

The forest is one of the most symbolized objects in the entire story. There are things that can bring grief, unhappiness, joy, and even freedom, but the forest always brings out the truth. Walking in the forest, lies no longer exists and only the truth remains. This is clearly shown in the examples that are given where the truth always come out in the forest. This includes, Pearl and the sunlight in the forest. All in all, these are some symbolisms that are shown in this

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