In the deep, dark parts of the forest, many of the significant characters bring out hidden thoughts and emotions. The forest track leads away from the settlement out into the wilderness where all signs of civilization is gone. This is the escape route, from strict requirements of law and religion. The forest is a refuge where men, as well as women, can open up, and be themselves. It is here that Dimmesdale can acknowledge Hester and his undying love for her. It is here that Hester can do the same for Dimmesdale. It is here that the two of them can engage in conversation, without being absorbed with the rest

In the Puritan society, individuality is stressed among many other things. However it is more than stressed, it is presumed. It is presumed that you need only yourself, and therefore should hold no feeling of need for a "shoulder to cry on". But, for people in the Puritan way of life in which Hester and Dimmesdale lived, it would be impossible for them to comfort each other. Yet in the forest, these cares are gone. "Be thou strong for me," Dimmesdale pleads. "Advise me what to do."(p. 187) This is a cry for help from Dimmesdale, with him finally admitting he can’t go through this ordeal by himself. Dimmesdale asks for help when he no longer believes that he is above Hester. He finally admitted that she is an equal, or even that may be above him. This is possibly one of the reasons that Puritans won’t accept these displays, because the society is so socially oriented. . Hester made a good speech. The articulation of her words can not be accentuated, and a more powerful statem!

raints that the Puritan society places on them. The forest is free. Nobody watches in the woods to report misconduct, so it is here where people do as they wish. To independent spirits like Hester Prynne’s, the wilderness beckons her: "Throw off the shackles of law and religion. What good have they done you anyway? Look at you, a young and vibrant woman, grown old before you time. Why, you can hardly walk without tripping over one commandment or another. Come to me, and be free." Hester takes advantage of this, wh

Some topics in this essay:
Hester Dimmesdale, Pastor Parishioner, Unfortunately Puritan, Hester Prynne’s, Dimmesdale Puritan, Write Actp, Scarlet Letter”, puritan society, hester dimmesdale, Nathaniel Hawthorne’s, dark forest, hester takes, law religion,