Scarlet Letter: Hester & Pearl

"Hester Prynne is a single mother devoted to the child who personifies the scarlet letter: part symbol, part consolation, and part terror…Hester is a quiet rebel whose isolation grants her a certain freedom of thought, particularly concerning the plight of women." This quote, said by Brenda Wineapple, is about Hester Prynne, who is one of the main characters in The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne. All the elements of the quote are true; Hester is dedicated to Pearl, who represents so many graces and misfortunes, and being detached from society gives Hester the freedom to contemplate her ideas, especially pertaining to woman's condition, that would normally be considered perverse.

The relationship between Hester Prynne and her illegitimate daughter, Pearl, is extremely significant. It is unquestionable that Hester Prynne is devoted to Pearl. The way Hester pleads so touchingly for her when the governor tries to take her away proves this point. "'Ye shall not take her! I will die first!'" (pg. 100). This quote, said by Hester when she implores the governor to let her keep Pearl, shows just how important Pearl is to Hester. The reason it is so imperative for Pearl to be constantly at Hester's side is that she is the embodiment

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Hester never feels it in its entirety until she removes the letter. The scarlet letter, and what it represents, is the single most significant factor in Hester's character, which is why they are never separated. This idea is a very interesting one, and also illustrates Hawthorne's view towards women. The scarlet letter is the symbol that indicates the sin of adultery committed by Hester.

Brenda Wineapple's quote about The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne is true; Hester Prynne is devoted to her child, who is the epitome of the scarlet letter, and Hester's separation from society lends her the freedom to think about subjects that are banned by it. Hester even lives on the outskirts of the town, where she is not bound by the strict Puritan rules, as the rest of the people are. Pearl and the scarlet letter almost define Hester's character. An example of the way Hester compares Pearl to the scarlet letter is she dresses Pearl in red and gold, the same colours of the scarlet letter. Hester realises this and unconsciously treats Pearl that way. Woman {also} cannot take advantage of these preliminary reforms until she herself shall have undergone a still mightier change; in which, perhaps, the ethereal essence…will be found to have evaporated," (pg.

The scarlet letter separates Hester Prynne from the rest of society, giving her the liberty of exploring new views. The fact that Pearl, her own daughter, does not recognise her mother without the scarlet letter also shows again how vital the letter is to Hester's character. "…The very nature of the opposite sex…is to be essentially modified before woman can be allowed to assume what seems a fair and suitable position…. Many of the thoughts Hester had in her time separated from society concerned the female race.

Approximate Word count = 908
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

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