What negative significance does the forest begin to take on?

As the narrative progresses, the forest begins to embody a sense of foreboding and danger, transforming from a place of beauty into a symbol of isolation and chaos. Its dense, shadowy depths become associated with fear and despair, reflecting the characters' internal struggles and conflicts. The once serene environment morphs into a labyrinthine prison, where the unknown lurks and the threat of losing one's way—both physically and morally—intensifies. This shift underscores the idea that nature can be both a refuge and a source of profound anxiety.