Theme Of Nature In Scarlet Letter

The theme of nature is portrayed heavily in Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter. Nature is used to show the freedom or/and exclusion in characters such as Hester, Dimmesdale, Chillingworth, and mostly Pearl as its symbols such as light/darkness, religion and the forest act upon them. This nineteenth century romantic novel portrays themes of Puritan religion that are contrasted profoundly with nature. Nathaniel Hawthorne uses the comparison of light and darkness to expose both the good and evil in society itself and its people. Imagery, symbolism, and extended metaphors are used throughout the novel to interpret the significance of nature, precisely in the forest. Nature, as well, can be seen in comparison to the urban society where all the strictness …show more content…
Nature consistently describes the different state of minds the characters are in through the use of literary devices such as symbolism. Without the theme of nature, The Scarlet Letter would not be rendered with such intensity as it is with this theme incorporated. The symbol of Puritanism shows how contradicting the novel can be at some times since Hester is a deep believer in her religion, but at the same time towards the ends she wants to be relieved of her sin. Consequently, the symbols of darkness and light are depicted as Hawthorne communicates the importance of obtaining happiness, and remaining truthful. The sun is representing truth or joy, but it also serves to reflect the characters’ emotions, thoughts, and outer appearance. Dimmesdale, in nighttime, is able to show off his guilt; but Pearl, in daytime, is able to show her pure connection to sunlight and nature. Lastly, the forest is a place where all depth and emotion is portrayed in contradiction to the strictness and rigidness of the town with its rules. Hawthorne, therefore, uses nature in The Scarlet Letter to represent a myriad of ideas and concepts both in society and its