chapter 18
"The objects that had made a shadow hitherto, embodied the brightness now. The course of the little brook might be traced by its merry gleam afar into the wood's heart of mystery, which had become a mystery of joy. Such was the sympathy of Nature, that wild, heathen Nature of the forest, never subjugated by human law, nor illumined by higher truth, with the bliss of these two spirits! Love, whether newly-born, or aroused from a death-like slumber, must always create a sunshine, filling the heart so full of radiance, that it overflows upon the outward world."
here, once again, Hawt. is reversing the puritan believes. The Nature is not seen as evil, and especially now that the two souls are again together, the forest becomes a paradise. A BRIGHT paradise ("brighness") compared to the dark and hypocritic society. "never subjugated by human law" -- reminds to A.D., who doesn't want to be subjugated by law, so this is actually a place in which he can feel safe - cause he's with his woman, and admitting his sin in that moment.
Are you suggesting that Dimmesdale and Hester are like Adam and Eve in this paradise. Of course, the snake lurks nearby. And Pearl is a reminder that they have already fallen, but perhaps this suggests that they can reclaim the paradise that they once had?
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