Here, we notice that the cultural aspect of the fountain is not preserved from disappearance. However, only water, one element of Nature, "continued to gush and sparkle" and remains intact despite the damaged fountain. This may signify that each civilisation and culture is destined to collapse whereas Nature is so powerful to be defeated. This idea reoccurs several times in 'Rappaccini's Daughter'. A particular plant in the garden and the statue of Vertumnus are also symbolic of this romantic thought.
Once more Nature overcomes culture. This is shown in one plant of the garden that has encircled itself around a Statue of Vertumnus. It covers it so well that it seems to be "a sculpture for study". The statue, being made by man, represents culture. In the garden, the piece of culture is surrounded by a plant (Nature). This image has a profound meaning. It demonstrates the dominance of Nature over culture and the expansion of this dominance even to Italy, the country of art and culture. Furthermore, this plant sublimes the statue (culture). In other words, Nature beautifies culture and it is the real beauty. All of that points at the position of Nature for the romantics. They venerate it and glorify it. According to them, it is a sacred place of non-artificiality where man can explore his inner capacities.5 The last element reflecting the conflict between Nature and culture is the symbolic silver vase. .
The silver vase that Baglioni brings is made by a famous Italian sculptor. This precious piece of art is the embodiment of culture's destructive evil. Culture, which leaves no space for individuality or innocence, gives death to Beatrice by means of the precious silver vase. It is even compared to the deadly poison of the Borgia family. Nathaniel Hawthorne, by presenting this piece of art as a death container, warns the reader from the hidden malice of culture. Through those symbols related to culture we feel that Hawthorne evokes a sense of distrust for and fear from culture; an idea which is relevant to the romantics' beliefs.
