Symbolism in “The Maypole of Merry Mount”
In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s story “The Maypole of Merry Mount” a colony of settlers lived merry lives. In this colony stood a maypole that the colonists decorated, danced around, and idolized during all seasons. Not far from Merry Mount was a colony of Puritans that lived opposing lifestyles to those of Merry Mount. One day there was a wedding in Merry Mount, and the Puritans attacked. The Puritans punished the colonists due to their opposing views, but the leader of the Puritans spared the newly married couple due to their love for each other, a quality which was rare in their colony (945-52). Hawthorne shows hope can be constantly robbed but somehow can find a way to shine through by using symbols such as the maypole, sunlight, and the placement of a wreath. …show more content…
They decorate the maypole with many colors but none of the colors are sad. The maypole represents the way the colonists live their lives in a pleasurable way. When the Puritans invade Endicott, the Puritan leader, cuts down the treasured maypole. In doing so Endicott cuts down the Merry Mount’s colonists hopes of living their lives in the way they use to.
When the conflict between the puritans and the colonists of Merry Mount it was a battle between dark and light. If the puritans won the conflict the light that guided the colonists hope would be covered up. On the other hand, if the colonists of Merry Mount were triumphant in holding the puritans back the sunlight would come through. This would cause flowers to bloom and lighten up the forest. With the sunshine shining through the symbol of hope for Merry Mount, the Maypole, would be paid homage. However, the conflict came to an end with a puritan victory which blocked out Merry Mount’s sunshine and