A symbol is defined as something that stands for or represents something else, especially an idea, quality, or condition. Symbols, also, can be objects, characters, figures, or colors used to represent, in most cases, ideas or concepts, which in novels, usually contribute to the main theme in the book. Sometimes referred to as “the first symbolic novel to be written in the United States”, “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne contains many symbols that are apparent throughout the novel, and reoccur at many different places. While symbols are created, those symbols must be given meaning within their context and, because the context differs, these symbols can vary over time, as seen in this novel. Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter” contains many symbols, including the forest, Pearl, and the scarlet letter itself, which all contribute to the main theme of sin and its consequences.

In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter,” life is in the center of a stiff Puritan society in which no one is able to freely express their deepest thoughts. Puritan society does not allow its people to show how they really feel, and if they do,

society extremely looks down upon it. Therefore, characters, in order to express their inner thoughts and true feelings, must seek refuge, which, in this case, brings in the forest, which represents a place of solitude or truthfulness for the main characters of this novel. Hester Prynne, the books protagonist, is a young woman who has cheated on her husband, Roger Prynne, with Arthur Dimmesdale. Hester bore a baby from this relationship, and was forced to wear a scarlet letter “A” for adultery. Hester uses the forest to bring out many hidden emotions, but mostly to use it as an outlet where she can convey her love for Dimmesdale, a Puritan minister, who will not confess his sin of adultery. The forest is a place where the both of them, Hester and Dimmesdale, may have an open, truthful conversation without the restrictions of a strict Puritan society, where their sin, mainly Hester’s due to its openness in the novel, will prevent even an attempt to carry a small chat. The forest, where no one ever ventures, is seen as a place of misbehavior and evil in the Puritan system, which is why Hester uses this as a place for freedom and solitude. Hester goes there to do what she must, without any restraints and is able to “throw off the shackles of law and religion.” (?) Of course, Hester takes advantage of this situation when she meets with Dimmesdale in the forest. She talks to him about things they could never endeavor to discuss in any other place, mainly concerning the topic of their relationship that they had seven years ago. Hester is adept to talk of their former relationship and the essence of what had happened and what is now happening, saying “Such a friend as thou hast even now wished for, with whom to weep over thy sin, thou hast in me, the partner of it! (129)” Dimmesdale continues to casually talk to Hester, and, realizing that he is in the safety of the forest and no one else is able to hear them, he is freely able to get more in depth into the conversation. Just the thought of Hester engaging in a talk with Dimmesdale in their society is un-mentionable. Yet, in the forest, they may feel free to do as they wish and not have to worry about their sin or punishments. In the forest, all cares are thrown away, and Dimmesdale makes a cry for help to Hester, a sinner in the Puritan society, but a lover to Dimmesdale, that he is able to express in the forest. “Be though strong for me; advise me what to do.” (132) He asks Hester for help, and shows that he thinks of her as an equal and that he is not above her in any way. The forest also brings out the natural side of whomever is occupying it at that time. When Hester, free of her sin for being true to herself, takes of her “A”, removes her hat, and unloosens her hair, it’s like the former, very beautiful, passionate Hester comes back to life. The sunshine, which seemed to shun Hester now shone on her very brightly, so much that it came in a very quick blast. “All at once, as with a sudden smile of heaven, forth burst t

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