Select a subject to preview related courses: One of the best ways to do this was to get out of the cities and away from people. On the scaffold just before his death, Pearl kisses him and "a spell was broken." Even Pearl's clothes contribute to her symbolic purpose in the novel by making an association between her, the scarlet letter, and Hester's passion. lessons in math, English, science, history, and more. ", Her personality is described as intelligent, imaginative, inquisitive, determined, and even obstinate at times. Yet also like the scarlet letter, Pearl becomes Hester's source of strength. Nathaniel Hawthorne was one of the leading figures of the American Transcendentalist movement of the mid-19th century. But raising Pearl also helps to redeem and restore Hester. However, as time progresses, the meaning of the letter changed. Pearl is the living embodiment of this viewpoint, and the mirror image makes that symbol come to life. She thinks of it as a symbol of hate and unsecurity towards her mother. In Chapter 6, Hawthorne employs an often-used technique for that passion. In The Scarlet Letter, why does Hawthorne portray Pearl as such a wild child? Create an account to start this course today. . It runs away and hides itself, because it is afraid of something on your bosom" (Chapter 16). Their conversation reminds us that, as a symbol, Pearl is also the conscience of a number of people. Society does not accept the fact that Hester has committed the sin of adultery so they cast her out by making her wear a scarlet letter A across her chest. He noticed her involuntary gesture, and smiled. Hester herself tries to account for the nature of her child and gets no farther than the symbolic unity of Pearl and her own passion. Pearl. The great sense of grief, in which the wild infant bore a part, had developed all her sympathies; and as her tears fell upon her father's cheek, they were the pledge that she would "grow up amid human joy and sorrow, nor forever do battle with the world, but be a woman in it.". Symbolism of Green in The Scarlet Letter Alana P. Paz English 303 December 1, 2014 Pearl and Hester Pearl is the complement to Hester. To learn more, visit our Earning Credit Page. Though initially this letter A symbolizes the sin of adultery, Hester Prynne alters its meaning through her hard work and charity. In Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, Pearl, is a symbol of sin and adultery in the sense that she leads Dimmsdale and Hester to their confession and the acceptance of their sins. The sin has changed Hester to a woman without tenderness. Latest answer posted October 19, 2016 at 9:33:56 AM How does Pearl … Get access risk-free for 30 days, Pearl’s innocent, or perhaps intuitive, comments about the letter raise crucial questions about its meaning. Chapter 16. Pearl as a Symbol in The Scarlet Letter The Scarlet Letter, written by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a book of much symbolism. carsonballer1. The Scarlet Letter Chapter 4. Shame, Despair, Solitude!” (Hawthorne 137). Just as Hester says, she is ―the scarlet letter in another form; the scarlet letter To Hester and perhaps the reader, Pearl represents not only the best of Hester and her attachment to all humanity but also Hester’s salvation. Pearl, however, is intuitive beyond her years. Like the scarlet “A”, the infant Pearl was attached to her mother’s breast both physically for nourishment and emotionally, as Hester loves her dearly. Pearl Prynne, the daughter of Hester Prynne, in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter can be considered the most symbolic character in the novel. A close examination of Chapter 6, "Pearl," shows the unification of the child with the idea of sin. flashcard sets, {{courseNav.course.topics.length}} chapters | Mistress Hibbins invites Hester to the forest and Hester says if the governor takes her child away she will gladly go. How Do I Use Study.com's Assign Lesson Feature? In her intuitive way, she realizes what he must do so to find salvation. Pearl is frequently dressed in lavish colors, including red, and Hawthorne describes her as 'the scarlet letter endowed with life' (Chapter 7). Asked by taylor b #331628 on 7/3/2014 1:50 PM Last updated by Aslan on 7/3/2014 3:24 PM Answers 1 Add Yours. Pearl as a Symbol in The Scarlet Letter. Not sure what college you want to attend yet? Pearl has always seen it there and it is the symbol for her mother. The only way she can account for Pearl's nature is in seeing how the child is the symbol of that moment. Physical descriptions of Pearl and the scarlet letter are virtually interchangeable. Both Pearl and the scarlet letter 'A' Hester has been condemned to wear are ceaseless reminders of this transgression. Ultimately, she teaches her mother to cultivate her own morality outside of Church doctrine and to reject the guilt and shame associated with the scarlet 'A'. Governor Bellingham likens her to the "children of the Lord of Misrule," and some of the Puritans believe that she is a "demon offspring.". In this novel The Scarlet Letter Hawthorne uses the symbolism of the scarlet letter, Pearl and the scaffold to contribute to the overall theme of secret sins. The Scarlet Letter. What does the Scarlet Letter mean to Pearl? Roger Chillingworth. Already registered? 34. The Scarlet Letter: A Romance is a work of historical fiction by American author Nathaniel Hawthorne, published in 1850. The Puritans want the letter to inflict pain on Hester because of the sin she committed, which it does, “The scarlet letter was her passport into regions where other women dared not tread. Answered by jill d #170087 on 11/8/2015 11:19 PM Even before she can speak, she is grasping for the letter, as if she knows that this holds the secret of her birth, and that its power … In this, Pearl represents the ideals of the American Transcendentalist movement, which Hawthorne led. If you're thinking by now that Pearl is much more of a symbol than an actual character—well, you're right. Want to read all 5 pages? The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a novel that shows the Puritanical way of life. She is a combination of her mother's passion and intuitive understanding and her father's keen mental acuity. Previous | {{course.flashcardSetCount}} Humans can and do perform evil. What response does Hester give? flashcard set{{course.flashcardSetCoun > 1 ? This is interesting. 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