what is meant by the wor maze

The 'word' maze? This chapter deals with a journey, albeit an emotional journey. The minister has made the decision to choose happiness with Hester and Pearl, to lead a life that's no longer based on secrecy and shame. When he leaves the forest and walks back through the town, he is essentially traversing and feeling his way through a maze that consists of all the reasons he shouldn't be happy and the ensuing guilt that accompanies it. It's a maze of the mind; he needs to find his way out and keep to the path of happiness, all while respecting the former path he's chosen.