When he replies "there is not the strength or courage left me to venture into the wide, strange, difficult world, alone!" (182), Hester replies that he would not have to go alone for she would go with him! "Thou shalt not go alone" (182). No other place than in the forest could such plans to run away be discussed between the two of them. Only in the forest could a man of such high regard in the community share his innermost thoughts to a woman who had been outcast by society. Only in the forest could such an event take place.
The forest brings out the natural appearance and natural personality of Hester. A new person is revealed as Hester takes off her cap and lets down her hair. Once again the reader can view the true Hester, who had been hidden by the shame of the scarlet letter. The Hester that is revealed in the forest is the same woman that was seen in the beginning of the novel. She once again became the beautiful, attractive person who is not afraid to show her hair and to display her beauty. The sunlight that once seemed to run away from her, now sought her