Several symbols found in Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel, The Scarlet Letter, represent a larger idea found outside of the story itself. The use of symbols in the novel portrays a truthful version of reality, which people can identify with and find in their daily lives. Use symbols found in nature to develop setting, characters, and atmosphere. The use of light and color plays a significant role in depicting the symbolism of the novel's setting and background. The forest is a predominant and also symbolic environment. The forest portrays the character's psychological state of mind as well as being a place where one can escape the sad reality of life. The use of light and darkness within the novel becomes a symbol and creates the atmosphere for the story. The light described is used to highlight some characteristics of the characters, highlighting their intentions and motivations, as well as their thoughts. Light is also used to describe a character's appearance; however, it symbolizes a character's inner spirit and reflects personal warmth. Light is also seen as a symbol of exposure throughout the novel. For example, in chapter two Hester emerges from the dark and melancholy prison and is exposed to the public light of day for her sin. She is described as having "dark hair, so shiny that it radiates sunlight with a glow." Hester comes out of the prison and is placed in front of everyone to see so the sunlight becomes a symbol of exposure. This is something one can find in his daily life. Darkness, as well as night, is the only place where Hester and her son can embrace Dimmesdale. Here they can associate with each other without the Puritan community knowing. In “The Ministe… middle of paper… she is tied to this different world than the one in which she is in the village with her mother. When Hester invites Pearl to return, she is hesitant because the forest serves as a symbol of division between her world and her mother's. The Scarlet Letter is considered a great masterpiece because of the hidden meaning behind the symbols. The Scarlet Letter, as a whole, contains two important symbols: the forest and the use of light and color. The literal meaning of the symbols as well as the effect give meaning to life and contribute to the human experience. For example, sunlight represents the exposure Hester must endure in front of the audience; however, it symbolizes the acceptance of one's guilt that one must face. The color used to describe things also provides a deeper understanding of the object. Without these symbols present in the context the novel would not be what it is today.