The Scarlet Letter - Plant Ima

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of his grave, he questioned with himself whether the grass would ever grow on it, because an accursed thing must there be buried� (131). In addition, weeds symbolize secrecy and the impurity of society. During Chillingworth and Dimmesdale�s covert discussion about �the powers of nature call[ing] so earnestly for the confession of sin,[and discussing] that these black weeds have sprung up out of a buried heart, to make manifest an unspoken crime� (120) illustrates the idea of weeds filling the heart with sin and guilt. Moreover, �the black flower of civilized society� (45-46) refers to the Puritans harsh attitude towards sinners as they view Hester�s punishment. Most importantly, the imagery used with leaves allows for different interpretations. �Thou shalt forgive me! cried Hester, flinging herself on the fallen leaves beside him [Dimmesdale]� (178) illustrates that Hester begs natures� forgiveness for her sin by falling on the leaves. Similarly, Hester �threw it [the scarlet ...

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