The Symbolic Use of Nature in Hawthornes The Scarlet Letter

The Symbolic Use of Nature in The Scarlet Letter In Nathaniel Hawthornes classic The Scarlet Letter, nature plays a very important and symbolic role. Hawthorne uses nature to convey the mood of a scene, to describe characters, and to link the natural elements with human nature. Many of the passages that have to do with nature accomplish more than one of these ideas. All throughout the book, nature is incorporated into the story line. The deep symbolism conveyed by certain aspects of nature helps the reader gain a deeper understanding of the plight and inner emotions of the characters in the novel. Hawthornes moods or prevailing feelings during certain scenes are revealed to the reader through nature.†¦show more content†¦Another example of Hawthornes use of nature to set the mood for a scene is shown when he describes the weather and conditions when Hester and Pearl secretly meet with Arthur Dimesdale deep within the forest. The day was chill and somber. Overhead was a gray expanse of cloud, slightly stirred, however, by a breeze; so that a gleam of flickering sunshine might now and then be seen a its solitary play along the path (159). Hawthorne describes a cold and gray day. This description gives the reader a sense of isolation as well as slight depression. However, the mention of a slight breeze that ruffles the canopy of the forest just enough to let in little flickers of sunshine conveys a fleeting ray of hope that seems to coexist with the gloominess in the scene. In many scenes during the book, moods or prevailing feelings are established through descriptions of the natural surroundings of the characters. This aspect of Hawthornes writing makes the book deeper and more emotional. Nature is often used symbolically in The Scarlet Letter to describe people physically, emotionally, and socially. Hawthorne uses this technique very effectively. 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