Precocious Pearl
Children are, by nature, incredibly sensitive creatures. They can sense almost any emotion an adult might feel just by observing a particular person's body language and facial expressions. Such is the case with the youthful Pearl from the novel The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne. As the daughter of the adulteress Hester Prynne and Arthur Dimmesdale, the townspeople view Pearl as a demon in an angel's clothing; as an imp who not only knows exactly what the letter "A" signifies on the breast of her mother, but as the demon who placed it there as well. " 'Nay, Mother, I have told all I know,' said Pearl more seriously than she was wont to speak...' But in good earnest now, Mother dear, what does this scarlet letter mean? -and why dost thou wear it on thy bosom? -and why does the minister keep his hand over his heart?' She took her mother's hand in both her own, and gazed into her eyes with an earnestness that was seldom seen in her wild and capricious character" This dialogue does not seem to be the words of a demon, but a child who is utterly curious about what the letter on her mother's bosom means. One must not underestimate Pearl's intelligence though. In fact, Pearl is not the demon
Her natural beauty is enhanced as she approaches Hester and Dimmesdale, her mother and father. Hester and Dimmesdale are both in the same situation in Pearl's eyes. This beauty brings together the theme of love, that is present between the three, as well as the importance of shame. Pearl is always unaccepted by the community (which has already been addressed); she is shunned because of her mother's sin. She is ostracized and alienated from the Puritan society and the children of the community, contributing largely to the theme of alienation. Pearl, throughout the story, develops into a dynamic individual, as well as an extremely important symbol - one who is constantly changing. The theme of alienation, which is exhibited throughout all of the main characters, is clearly seen in the descriptions of Pearl. Without hearing a single word uttered, Pearl can easily see how Dimmesdale saves both her and her mother from a situation neither would enjoy. With the rumor of Pearl's impish nature dispelled, one can now study her inquisitive and sensitive nature. "And, Mother, he has his hand over his heart! Is it because, when the minister wrote his name in the book, the Black Man set his mark in that place? But why does he not wear it outside his bosom, as thou dost, Mother?" Through this statement made by Pearl, one may realize Pearl does see a connection between Hester's letter and Dimmesdale's habit of covering his heart with his hand, although she does not know what this connection is. Instead of "keeping silent," as a behaved Puritan child would, Pearl spills out question after question in hopes of understanding something that is an enigma to her. Thus, the loving gesture Pearl makes towards Dimmesdale is her silent way of saying, "Thank you for the gift of youth you have just given me. She is first described as the infant; ".
Common topics in this essay:
Arthur Dimmesdale,
Hester Dimmesdale,
Physically Pearl,
Dimmesdale Pearl,
Using Pearl's,
Tell Tell,
Hester Prynne,
Pearl Pearl,
Scarlet Hester,
Hawthorne Pearl,
scarlet letter,
hester dimmesdale,
hester's bosom,
pearl hester,
pearl demon,
hester prynne,
sin pearl,
scarlet bosom,
sin punishment,
mother's sin,
acting constant reminder,
hester reader acting,
living scarlet hester,
reader acting constant,
scarlet hester reader,
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Acceptance Essays
