Hawthorn’s novel also has a theme of one finding their true self in nature. The characters who are stereotyped in society are free from there stereotypes in nature in nature. Hester is herself when she is in seclusion. When Hester is shown in her house, or garden which are far from the society she is happy, and does her best embroidery alone and she is a good role model for. Hawthorn illustrates society is what holds us back from being truly happy and free, that it is in nature where we find ourselves. Pearl who is seen as a punishment, is described as a nymph in society. Pearl is symbolic of the beauty and freedom of nature, she is wild yet beautiful and she brings out the best in Hester similarly to how nature does.
Disneys the Lion King actually has a similar theme. The protagonist, Simba left his society because of the guilt he is made to feel. Stereotypes are seen throughout The Lion King that are similar to stereotypes seen The Scarlet Letter. Simbas life consists of do's and don'ts while living in pride rock, much like Hester in puritan society. Once Simba is made to feel guilty for his father Mufasas death he escapes to the jungle (representative of nature), there he learns a freedom he's never known before and he becomes himself.