As a
Romantic author, Hawthorne ascribed to the idea that nature is a positive entity that stands in
contrast with the corruption of society.
Hawthorne introduces nature to the
plot of his famous novel in the very first chapter, when he describes the wild rose bush that
grows beside the prison door. The rose bush is both beautiful and purely natural, yet it is
positioned next to the hideous, oppressive symbol of societys penchant for punishment. When the
narrator says that he might pluck one of its gorgeous blooms and offer it to the reader, he
explicitly demonstrates his favorable view of nature.
Later in the novel, the
Puritans of Boston oppose themselves to the forces of nature. The forest outside the village is
associated with witches sabbaths and shaded secrets. , s daughter, is often referred to as an
impish elf-child, whose seeming commune with nature disturbs the townspeople. Bostonians, and by
extension society, are suspicious and afraid of natures uncertainty. Their mistrust of nature
signifies Hawthornes opposition to society.
When Hester and Pearl convene
within the forest toward the end of the novel, Hester experiences a moment of blissful freedom
that she does not experience before or after. While society condemns the relationship between
Hester and Dimmesdale, nature seems to approvethe sunlight bathing Hesters returned natural
beauty with a glow after she takes off the titular letter and throws it on the ground during
this forest meeting.
Each of these ways that nature is addressed throughout
the text should help you to formulate a succinct theme statement expressing Hawthornes message
about nature.
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