Scarlet Letter Setting Analysis Essay

The Scarlet Letter Setting Analysis
The Scarlet Letter written by Nathaniel Hawthorne is set in the mid-17th century. Period of time where Puritans have escaped the persecutions of England and now have created their own town in Massachusetts. The book focuses on the life of Hester Prynne and her act of adultery, sin, and guilt. We learn from Hawthorne that this town is formed on religion and law, but it is also severely isolated with a surroundings of the forest and the ocean. Contributing to this factor is in how the outskirts of the town is described as a forest haunted by the devil or Black Man. In this forest outside is filled with the mysteries of sin, witchcraft, and a new possible way of life could be found by Hawthorne’s diction that expresses the forest as something far different than the “city upon the hill.” and the use of imagery that sets the tone of what the townspeople see the forest as.

162) Obviously how Hawthorne describes the forest, it creates a ominous view of the forest. It adds to the "How he haunts this forest, and carries a book with him”(Pg. 161), which refers to the Black Man and devilish ways. “Thus conversing, they entered sufficiently deep into the wood to secure themselves from the observation of any casual passenger along the forest-track.”(Pg. 162) While this forest seems like a place full of danger it also separate from the town, of restrictions and religion, it offers a haven for the sinners and new ideas. Essentially the forest become a symbol of freedom. Hester’s scarlet letter has no authority over her in the forest. In the forest, people are liberated of their sins and allowed to escape and express their