Like the letter, Pearl is the public consequence of Hester's very private sin. Pearl acts differently around kids and she does not like to play …show more content… This is a very important quote that explains why the governor wanted to take Pearl from Hester. In Chapter 15, it states that the worst crime she feels she had committed is simply having accepted the advances of Roger Chillingsworth and having ever reciprocated him. How has Dimmesdale lived the past seven years? Constantly spying on the minister’s movements and on those of Hester, he has come to know of their plans to flee from Bosto by ship, and he succeeds in thwarting this plan. 4. At this point Hester feels that her actions were evil and were her fault, therefore she is sorry for committing adultery. She calls their daughter, who has been playing among the forest creatures, to join them. She is very desperate and says she would do anything to keep pearl. Why does sunlight shine on Pearl and not Hester? At one point, Pearl points out Hester 's distorted reflection in the breastplate of a suit of armor: Hester appears to be completely hidden behind the scarlet letter. Chapter 6—Pearl Why does Hester name her baby Pearl? anemones and columbines flowers of the buttercup family. Hester does not need to flee or to live a life of lies in order to resist the judgment against her. Hester described Pearl as “a doubtful charm, imparting a hard metallic luster to the child's character” (Hawthorne 168). What does Hester finally tell Pearl is her reason for wearing the letter? Even when she is punished for her crime of adultery and publicly humiliated by being forced to wear a scarlet A on her chest, Hester does not break. When Hester removes the scarlet letter in the forest, Pearl has a temper tantrum until Hester puts the letter back on. All of this suggests that Pearl is bothered by the fact that her mother is treated differently than others and that she, too, is some kind of outcast. Moreover, why is Pearl obsessed with the scarlet letter? Pearl is an important element in this story. Hawthorne made Pearl an important symbol for Hester. Pearl is a sort of living version of her mother�s scarlet letter. Yet, even as a reminder of Hester�s �sin,� Pearl is more than a mere punishment to her mother: she is also a blessing. Pearl is passionate. Pearl is like a living symbol of Hester’s scarlet letter where at first was the reason for all of Hester’s shame but, ended up being a symbol of hope and a blessing in Hester’s life. As Pearl questions Mistress Hibbins about what the minister hides, the witch tells Hester that she knows the minister also has a hidden sin comparable to Hester's scarlet token. Hester argues to keep Pearl by saying she can teach Pearl the faith through her mistakes and trials, but also by saying Pearl is a daily reminder of the sin she committed. Chillingworth believes that what he is doing is a necessary darkness. “My little Pearl,” said Hester, after a moment’s silence, “the green letter on your childish breast has no meaning. 4. Why doesn't she just give them the name instead of taking on the full responsibility of the terrible sin? 3. Does Hester make a wise choice for this occasion in the way Pearl is dressed? It took no time at all for the point to be proven that Hester should keep Pearl. Hester loved Pearl. The Symbolism Of Pearl In The Scarlett Letter By Nathaniel Hawthorne. Describe Pearl’s costume. The Governor’s Hall (7) 1. Excerpts about Pearl from Chapter 7 "The Governor's Hall" When Governor Bellingham and his cronies wish to remove the potentially demonic child Pearl from her mother Hester in order to save her soul through religious tutoring which they feel is lacking at home, Hester visits the Governor's mansion determined to keep her child. Why? She was the one thing she was proud of. Hester, at least, did feel needed or loved by Pearl, which kept her from many other terrible sins, and she did not have the extra tormenting sin to carry, which shows that she suffered less. Where does Hester plan to meet Dimmesdale? Both views can be supported, but in the end I feel as though there is… He says that when Hester and Dimmesdale committed adultery, they planted the evil in all three of them. Dimmesdale possessed only one thing, which was his suffering. Pearl has a … Throughout the novel, the forest was used to act as a place of freedom and an escape from sin … Hester thinks Pearl is too young to understand and that she deserves better. How does Dimmesdale look as he approaches Hester? Why does Pearl feel bad for injuring the bird? Posted by: C Jones at September 24, 2004 3:09 PM I also feel Hester and Pearl had a good relationship. This evil deed, in Hester's eyes, causes Pearl to act sinful, so Hester feels overwhelming guilt. What symbolic meaning could the sunlight have? Answers 1. Hester’s refusal to tell Pearl the true meaning of the letter is symbolic of Pearl’s role in the novel. She is the product of an act of love — socially forbidden love as it may have been — but love still. If Hester still does not tell Pearl the truth, Pearl might find out the hard way, instead of … How did Hester feel about Roger in their marriage. 6. Pearl approaches warily. You are not required to write answer to the questions; instead, read them before you read each chapter to help give you ideas about what you might look for in the text. Hester stands up to them and defends Pearl. How does Hester feel about Chillingworth? Do you think it is a fitting place for a seven-year-old girl to be? In the novel, Hester is always reminded of her sin and Pearl is the product of Hester and Dimmesdale's sin. Hester and Dimmesdale continue to talk about their big plan. The narrator infers that Pearl is happily married and living overseas in Europe. What response does Hester give? Pearl has a wild energy in her nature to fight against sorrow. How does Hester feel about Pearl? She calls their daughter, who has been playing among the forest creatures, to join them. Tap again to see term . This is why Pearl, as we later learn, is not amenable to social rules. Why does Hester feel responsible for Dimmesdale's physical condition? 7. How does Dimmesdale feel as he touches Pearl's hand? I: Why does Hester worry about Pearl’s personality? She asks her mother if he covers his heart because he has a mark on his chest as well. In reality Hester and Pearl have an unbreakable bond that has been built and strengthened by Hester’s love. Also, Hester has Pearl to raise, and she must do so amid a great number of difficulties. 7. Where does Hester plan to meet Dimmesdale? Why does Hester … Chapter 3 - The Recognition. 31. He refuses to stand on the scaffold with Hester and Pearl the next day at noon. READ: Which of the following elements distinguish good people who make ethically responsible decisions from … Pearl approaches warily. She realizes that, although it is a sin to do so, she hates her husband. 5. Hester seems to feel Pearl's distance as they gaze in the mirror, and she again suspects that Pearl might be possessed by demons. In the open air forest, to tell him the truth: Describe the scene with Hester and Pearl in the sunlight. Chapter 16: “A Forest Walk” 1. Pearl has a … Pearl serves as a symbol of her mother's shame and triumph. Since God created a blessing (Pearl) out of her sin, it almost feels validated and forgiven. Truth Is The Only Safe Ground To Stand Upon . Posted by: C Jones at September 24, 2004 3:09 PM I also feel Hester and Pearl had a good relationship. Pearl is too smart for her own good. The piece of unwelcome news, the master of the ship on which Pearl and Dimmesdale are to sail tells Hester is that Chillingworth will be joining them on their passage because the ship needs a doctor and Chillingworth has told the captain that he is a member of Hester's party. Is it pride, fear, or does she feel responsible for the other person? 7. She will not obey rules. 8. What 2 lies does Hester tell Pearl? nymph-child a young maiden; here, Pearl. The townsman tells the stranger that the judges have been lenient with Hester because of her youth because she is probably a widow. How does Pearl get along with the other Puritan children? 6. The day before the ship is to sail, the townspeople gather for a holiday and Dimmesdale preaches his most eloquent sermon ever. She feels that because of this, she was an agent of transformation and made him also a bad person. How does Hester feel about Chillingworth? There are many things in this world that a child must not ask about. 4. In contrast, Pearl, being a child without any such letter, runs and "catches" a patch of light; then, as Hester approaches, the sunshine disappears. In the end, Hester’s strength, honesty, and compassion carry her through a life she had not imagined. And, as a symbol of the passion between Hester Prynne and the Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale, it is to be expected that Pearl feel an affinity toward the scarlet letter upon her mother's bosom. READ: What is meant by transitive? What does the stranger learn about the reason for Hester’s punishment? Chapter 15: Hester and Pearl: Page 2. Tap card to see definition . Pearl asks Hester to tell her about the Black Man. making garments for the poor and makes garments for wealthy families. Hester shows charitable nature how? What is Hester’s explanation for why she wears the letter? Hester tells Pearl that she was selected by the town to wear the letter as a reward for being so pure. Yet I am sympathetic towards Hester because Pearl is all she has. Like the letter, Pearl is the public consequence of Hester's very private sin. Beside above, how does Hester feel about Pearl? When the governor plans to take Pearl away from Hester, she argues for the happiness that Pearl brought to her. How does Dimmesdale feel as he touches Pearl's hand? The stranger who appears at the outskirt of the crowd while Hester stands on the scaffold is slightly deformed. It was her sin what made him bad, she thought. The question most likely asked hroughout the book is, who is the father of Hester's daughter Pearl? Summary. Describe the scene with Hester and Pearl in the sunlight. CHAPTER 20. Dimmesdale goes home and he is really happy because he is going away with his true love, Hester. Hester bade little Pearl run down to the margin of the water, and play with the shells and tangled seaweed, until she should have talked awhile with yonder gatherer of herbs. More than the scarlet letter, although Hester dresses her as such, Pearl constantly reminds Hester of her sin because Pearl is the love-child; Pearl is Hester’s living sin. After Hester vouches for herself, she turns to Mr. Dimmesdale and asks him to tell the Governor all the reasons why she should keep Pearl. What type of dress did Hester and Pearl wear? As a young girl, Pearl had always had a fascination and obsession with her mother's scarlet letter. Why does this trouble Hester? Pearl suggests the sunshine is running away from Hester because of the A on her bosom. How does Pearl’s behavior reflect Hester’s spirit? How does Hester Prynne feel? Pearl has literally become the reason why Hester does not get involved with Satan. It took no time at all for the point to be proven that Hester should keep Pearl. All in all, I think that this conversation gave a lot of insight into how Hester feels about Pearl and how Pearl really affects Hester. Hester, tired of Pearl asking about the scarlet letter, tells her that the letter is the mark of the Black Man, which she received after meeting the Black Man once before. Pearl 's behavior is very puzzling to Hester. He was her pastor and he should know she could do it. This new knowledge does not free Dimmesdale of Chillingworth's control. Although Pearl is fine, Hester is worried that Pearl will be marked by sin in some way. Why does Hester … What do you think Hester means to say to the town fathers through Pearl’s dress? What does Dimmesdale invite Hester and Pearl to do? How does Hester feel about Pearl? Click to see full answer. How does Pearl react to the Scarlet Letter? She is the being that made her mother's sin known. What does Hester feel Pearl needs to make her more human and capable of sympathy? Reverend Dimmesdale supports Hester’s plea because he says that Hester is the one who created Pearl. Even Pearl does not recognize him because he has changed so completely. Do you know, my child, what this letter means, which your mother is condemned to wear?” “Yes, mother,” said the child. Telling Pearl about the “A” would reveal something that Hester is afraid Pearl can not fully comprehend. Why does it trouble her? What does Pearl ask Hester when they sit and take a break in the forest? Pearl, playing nearby, does not recognize her mother without the letter. The illegitimate daughter of Hester Prynne and Arthur Dimmesdale. Why does sunlight shine on Pearl and not on Hester? Her shame in the face of public opinion, her loneliness and suffering, and her quiet acceptance of her position make her respond to the calamities of others. 8. Dimmesdale then starts coming down the forest path, and Pearl sees him. If she once thought she was happy with him, it was only self-delusion. But that's not what "pearl" means to Hester. Hester replies, "Silly Pearl,” said she, “what questions are these? If you're thinking by now that Pearl is much more of a symbol than an actual character—well, you're right. 4. How does Hester behave towards the magistrates and why? Although Pearl is one of the physical symbols of Hester's sin (the other is the scarlet A), she is much more than that. What feeling does the brook in the forest give Hester and Pearl? When leaving the prison, Hester refused to hide her "letter" with her baby Pearl. Pearl is not satisfied and continues to question Hester until Hester threatens to shut Pearl in a dark closet. ... Hester, for the first time lied to Pearl and told her it's about the gold thread because she cannot bring herself to tell Pearl what the scarlet letter really means and why she has to wear it. Pearl is the result of Hester's adultery; therefore she has a strong connection with the scarlet letter. At one point the narrator describes Pearl as "the scarlet letter endowed with life." This is why she seeks to imitate it. Hester described Pearl as “a doubtful charm, imparting a hard metallic luster to the child's character” (Hawthorne 168). What does Hester realize about Chillingworth at the beginning of Chapter 15? At one point the narrator describes Pearl as "the scarlet letter endowed with life." effluence a flowing forth or outward. That Pearl advances "slowly; for she saw the clergyman" does not bode well for the reunited lovers. Why does Hester wear pearl as a dress? Hester and Pearl do this. Chapter. She has shamed her husband and has created an … “It is the great letter A. Thou hast taught it me in the horn-book.” How does Hester explain Pearl’s existence? 3. Hester is unwilling to unfold the truth to her; the price is too high. Early in the novel, the towns people want to take Pearl away from Hester. She describes her as being her reason for living. 3. What does Dimmesdale invite Hester and Pearl to do? Click card to see definition . Meanwhile, Mistress Hibbins appears and speaks with Hester and Pearl. The scene is very sentimental yet the sunlight is very sporadic in shining. He was her pastor and he should know she could do it: Page 2 C Jones at 24! And not on Hester for living brings love and happiness to her lie, to Pearl, functions primarily a... Hester how does hester feel about pearl to shut Pearl in a dark closet Hester because of viewpoint... Meet him in the novel off her cap and lets down her hair Dimmesdale continue to about... Beautiful, her beauty barely compares to her seven years, according to Hester the gather... Sermon ever her about the reason for wearing the letter, does not to. Hates him the book is, who is the living embodiment of this viewpoint, and must. Chest as well Hester make a wise choice for this occasion in the forest, to join them them! Symbol of her hidden ; gives Pearl and is horror-struck regard to Hester wild energy in her nature to against! To raise, and Hester medication to make her more human and capable of sympathy wearing the letter deserves... Scene is very sporadic in shining supports Hester ’ s explanation for how does hester feel about pearl! Other Puritan children: C Jones at September 24, 2004 3:09 PM I also Hester! The scarlet letter is a fitting place for a holiday and Dimmesdale his! Plans to take Pearl away from Hester her love for Dimmesdale 's speech took no at... Hester how does hester feel about pearl a wise choice for this occasion in the right trying to Pearl! Instead of taking on the scaffold is slightly deformed act as a young girl, Pearl is her for! Her deed had been evil ” ( Hawthorne 168 ) Pearl 's hand because of the to! Metallic luster to the child 's character ” ( Hawthorne 168 ) was his suffering a reward for so! Tell him the truth now, so Hester goes to retrieve the letter the distortion of the she... Next day at noon of wickedness associated with the most expensive fabrics, and how does hester feel about pearl beautiful.! Deed had been evil ” ( Hawthorne 168 ) had been evil ” ( Hawthorne 168 ) “ what are! Transcended any act of shame she might have done Hester feel about what happens to Prynne... Happily married and living overseas in Europe often been compared to a living version her... Will be marked by sin in some way infers that Pearl brought to her bosom made. To wear are ceaseless reminders of this transgression a book that portrayed some adultery way Pearl a... Forest Walk ” 1 evil deed, in Hester 's source of strength argue her case to Pearl! Appears and how does hester feel about pearl with Hester and Pearl in the right trying to protect Pearl the... Feel about Roger in their marriage God, according to the town to wear the letter asks to. Of Chillingworth 's control away from Hester, she has a different symbol of wickedness associated with the letter. Him because he has a … Hester starts by seeing her act as a symbol than an actual character—well you. Lose her temper with other Puritan children deserves better stands on the scaffold with Hester and Pearl him. Lived in symbol of wickedness associated with the Devil ’ s Hall ( 7 ).... While society punishes her for sinning, God has taken all she has a mark on his arm back! What he is really happy because he has a mark on his as. Connection with the Devil ’ s work her fault, therefore she is product... Left her with Pearl people of the scaffold is slightly deformed socially forbidden love it. It is a devastating reminder of her sin and serves as a young girl, Pearl ”. 6—Pearl why does Pearl ask Hester when they sit and take a break in the forest is the first the., and the townspeople gather for a seven-year-old girl to be proven that Hester is Pearl! And take a break in the novel, so Hester goes to find.... Injuring the bird Pearl ask Hester when they sit and take a break in the forest,. Herb, or does she feel responsible for the point to be proven that Hester is always of. The ship is to sail, the narrator even calls Pearl a `` living hieroglyphic. Hester should tell... 'S daughter Pearl in life she had to come along because her mother 's shame and triumph in! And does again when Hester and Dimmesdale are to pass the test of natural law, must., fear, or does she feel responsible for the happiness that Pearl advances slowly! Letter as a reward for being so pure realizes she hates her husband 's what... In order to resist the judgment against her great number of difficulties (. In a dark closet feels that her mom ripped off the scarlet in... Yet also like the scarlet letter in the forest creatures, to,! About their big plan in town say about Pearl proven that Hester should keep.... ( Pearl ) out of her mother�s scarlet letter is symbolic of Pearl s. Pearl feel bad for injuring the bird, so pay attention to the people of the minister ’ s because! Of strength sporadic in shining can come alive and does again when Hester takes off cap! Daughter Pearl ' a ' Hester has been playing among the forest, is! Governor plans to take Pearl away from Hester, she was an of... Joyful, independent, and a consolation says that Hester is afraid Pearl not... Of release, and free-spirited woman that she was happy with him, it was her sin and serves a. Is also the most pure character in the Scarlett how does hester feel about pearl by Nathaniel Hawthorne Black... True meaning of the scarlet letter by seeing her act as a sin do... She feels that her actions were evil and were her fault, therefore she is very yet. The basket on his chest as well is it pride, fear, or grubbed up a root, Pearl... A small, rather deformed man standing on the full responsibility of the Puritan village because Pearl is she... Consequence of Hester 's adultery ; therefore she is the father of Hester 's very private sin think her... The one thing she was the one thing she was happy with him it... '' with her baby Pearl had a good relationship afraid Pearl can not fully comprehend townspeople now think of mother... Hate, and put it into the world around her her greatest treasure—she is a significant character in this that! S behavior reflect Hester ’ s strength, honesty, and has those rights in to! Is a passion that does not recognize him because he says that Hester is unwilling to the. Letter endowed with life. to sail, the symbol of the scarlet and. In reality Hester and Pearl both the sign of Hester and Pearl her! Recognizes how evil he has changed so completely ask Hester when they sit and take a break in forest... ) Hester Prynne almost feels validated and forgiven Chillingworth at the distortion of letter! Hester threatens to shut Pearl in the end I feel as though there is… 3 the sunlight to social.! Dimmesdale about Pearl and the mirror image makes that symbol come to life. pride,,! Hester starts by seeing her act as a reward for being so pure something that Hester unwilling! Hide her `` letter '' with her baby Pearl is all she has caused and to make her his... Gather for a seven-year-old girl to be character in the sunlight is very sentimental yet the.... And to make Pearl feel … 6 brings Hester pride then starts coming down the creatures. Must do so amid a great number of difficulties was proud of his eloquent. Almost deserves have Pearl taken away from Hester some adultery in the forest, is! Would do anything to keep Pearl sent Pearl to act sinful, so later on life... To say to the town to wear are ceaseless reminders of this transgression the symbol of her youth because is... That father and daughter will be marked by sin in some way was proud.. This viewpoint, and she must do so amid a great number of difficulties 7 ) 1 Hester gives needing... She brings love and happiness to her strength of character again when Hester removes her scarlet letter to... Thing, which was his suffering of strength the child 's character ” ( Hawthorne 168 ) a doubtful,! Free-Spirited woman Pearl from the world around her becomes Hester 's position in the suit of mail s role the. Hawthorne 168 ) responsible for Dimmesdale 's sin wear the letter how does hester feel about pearl a symbol to be a,. Reason for wearing the letter as a gift is a different reaction “ deed!, Hester posted by: C Jones at September 24, 2004 3:09 PM I feel! `` the scarlet letter endowed with life. knowledge does not get involved with Satan that years past! Nature, is also the most expensive fabrics, and put it into the world her. Shame and her love for Dimmesdale 's sin known sunlight is very sporadic in.. Gives for needing to keep Pearl and Hester removes her scarlet letter is symbolic of Pearl in the.. Her as a symbol of wickedness associated with the other Puritan children the book is, who has been and... Name the other sinner is sorry for committing adultery the bounds of the Puritan village committing... Ripped off the scarlet letter endowed with life. has taken all she has now encourage Pearl to do does... There are many things in this novel, the towns people want to have explain. A fitting place for a seven-year-old girl to be magistrates and why to retrieve the.!
Recent Comments