It includes all that is pure; where light is the dominating force. Although Hibbins always invites the characters to see "The Black Man," the forest is the only place where Hester can let down her hair and display her pride. The brook within the forest symbolizes a "boundary between two worlds" (p. 191). ... The symbolism of the forest outlines Hawthorne's interest in dichotomy, the belief that everything in the world has two sides; where one is unable to exist without the presence of the other. ...

• Word Count: 1296
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School