... their phallic fantasies by dwelling on the events in the forest. The forest in this case represents the subconscious mind of the Puritan society because to them the forest is the place of the devil and witches. It is a free place where no one watches to report misbehaviors to the magistrates, so people do as they like, which is derived from the id, the sexual seat, as Freud would describe it. Hawthorne describes the forest as secret and somber, a temptation ... other souls? "or a polluted soul, towards their purification? And as for the people's reverence, would that it were turned to s...

• Word Count: 1599
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

... their phallic fantasies by dwelling on the events in the forest. The forest in this case represents the subconscious mind of the Puritan society because to them the forest is the place of the devil and witches. It is a free place where no one watches to report misbehaviors to the magistrates, so people do as they like, which is derived from the id, the sexual seat, as Freud would describe it. Hawthorne describes the forest as secret and somber, a temptation ... other souls? "or a polluted soul, towards their purification? And as for the people's reverence, would that it were turned to s...

• Word Count: 1596
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

... hypocrite that he was!--the light in which his vague confession would be viewed." (127) They love him all the more for his honest and humble character, and this is Reverend Dimmesdale's intent. Even as he plans to run away with Hester Prynne four days after their meeting in the forest, he comforts himself with the knowledge that he will give his sermon on predestination on the third day, and thus ... forest. This seems to be the only escape for the Puritans in the novel. This is the only place where the people can be free from Puritan law and code. It is here, in the forest that Reveren...

• Word Count: 2932
• Approx Pages: 12
• Grade Level: High School