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What Does The Forest Symbolize In The Scarlet Letter

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The Scarlet Letter Essay In The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne effectively conveys his message through his continual use of powerful symbolism throughout the novel. Hawthorne uses copious symbols throughout the book that represent a broader meaning, such as the scarlet letter and the meteor. For example, Pearl’s name is allegorical of her character and the price her mother paid. An actual pearl is not completely white. This demonstrates how Pearl is not entirely pure and has a tendency to be an “elfish” child. Pearl is also correlated to the rose bush near the prison. Hawthorne states, “The child finally announced that she had not been made at all, but had been plucked by her mother off the bush of wild roses” (Hawthorne 90). She relates to this because although Pearl is beautiful, she can have her “thorns.” In the novel, Hawthorne states, “But she named the infant “Pearl,” as being of great price,--purchased with all she had,--her mother’s only treasure” (Hawthorne 73). This …show more content…
The forest is considered the Devil’s territory by approximately everyone in the town of Salem, and it is where they believe witches engage in witchcraft. Ironically, the forest is also a symbol of freedom for Hester and Dimmesdale. In the forest, they are finally able to talk and be free from their sin. Hawthorne employs a river as a barrier between the forest and the town. The river symbolizes rebirth and cleansing as Hester and Dimmesdale cross between the forest and the town. It also demonstrates the colossal differences between the restrictions of the Puritan life and the freedom of the forest. The appearance of the meteor when Dimmesdale, Hester, and Pearl are standing together on the scaffold during the night shines a light to reveal their sin. The meteor also forms the letter A. This symbolizes the sin of the family and is also believed to represent “angel” by the people in the

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