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.
