Every human needs the opportunity to express what they truly feel, otherwise emotions build up until they become unstable. In Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, life centers on a strict Puritan society that does not allow open self-expression, so characters must seek alternative means to relieve their personal anguish and desires. Fortunately, Hawthorne offers such a sanctuary in the form of a mysterious forest. The forest is a sanctuary because it allows the freedom to love, the freedom to express emotions, the freedom to like, and the freedom to be yourself. In the deep, dark parts of the forest, many of the crucial characters bring out hidden thoughts and emotions. The forest trail leads away from the settlement into the wilderness where all signs of civilization fade away. This secluded path is the escape route from the rigid dictates of law and religion to a refuge where men, as well as women, are able to open up and be themselves. It is here, in the forest, that Dimmesdale openly acknowledges Hester and his love for her. It is also here, in the forest, that Hester does the same for Dimmesdale. The forest is the place where the two converse, without the constraints that Puritan society imposes on them. The forest is the very embodiment of freedom. No one keeps watch in the forest to report bad behavior, so this is where people can do whatever they want. For independent spirits, like that of Hester Prynne, the wilderness beckons: “Throw off the shackles of law and religion. What are they for...... half a sheet of paper......the sentence “It is here [the forest] that Dimmesdale” could be correctly written “It is here, the forest, that Dimmesdale” or “It is in the forest than Dimmesdale." Also on the fourth page, the sentence “They [the readers] see the real Hester” could be correctly written “They, the readers, see the real Hester” or “The readers see the real Hester.” When quoting, exclamation points count as punctuation. So instead of punctuating the quote twice, “Preach! Write! Act!" (Hawthorne 188). The correct punctuation would be “Preach! Write! Act” (Hawthorne 188)!4. Also, when quoting, […] is not necessary to begin or end the quotation. So “… it” “it” would be written correctly.5. Make good use of your quotes, proving your arguments.