The symbolic use of nature in The Scarlet Letter In Nathaniel Hawthorne's classic The Scarlet Letter, nature plays a very important and symbolic role. Hawthorne uses nature to convey the atmosphere of a scene, to describe characters, and to connect natural elements with human nature. Many of the passages dealing with nature implement more than one of these ideas. Throughout the book, nature is incorporated into the plot. The profound symbolism conveyed by some aspects of nature helps the reader gain a deeper understanding of the situation and inner emotions of the characters in the novel. Hawthorne's prevailing moods or feelings during certain scenes are revealed to the reader through nature. For example, one of the first scenes in the book demonstrates this unique writing talent that Hawthorne uses to enrich his writing. Describes Hester Prynne and her son being released from the local jail into daylight; She was carrying a baby in her arms, a baby of about three months old, who was winking and turning his little face away from the too-bright light of the day. ; because his experience, up to that point, had led him to know only the gray twilight of a prison, or other dark prison apartment (49). The sunlight gives the reader a feeling of exposure and scrutiny. This feeling is then revealed to the reader by Hawthorne: The door of her prison was thrown open, and she came forth into the light of the sun, which, falling upon all alike, seemed, to her sick and morbid heart, as if it had no other purpose . than to show the scarlet letter on his breast (71). It also gives the feeling of a release in a harsh environment, which Hest...... middle of paper ......scarletletter/fullsumm.html. February 15, 2002. Brown, Bryan D. "Reexamining Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter. http://www.usinternet.com/users/bdbournellonie.htm. March 1, 2002." Chuck III College Resources". http:// www.chuckiii.com/reports/book_reports/scarlet_letter.shtml. March 1, 2002. Clendenning, John. "The Scarlet Letter." Literary Criticism of English and American Authors. Ed. Charles Wells Gloucester, Massachusetts: Peter Smith Publishing, 1959. Hawthorne, Nathaniel New York: Penguin Books USA Inc., 1996. Smiles. "The Scarlet Letter." Ed. Martin Tucker New York City: Frederick Ungar Publishing Company, 1962. 266.