The Scarlet Letter from the eyes of 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 Hawthorn. As the daughter of the adulteress Hester Prynne, 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. They also believe Pearl uses this information against Hester by constantly mentioning the letter in order to make Hester extremely uncomfortable. This is not true." '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" (Hawthorne 175). This dialogue does not seem to be the words of a demon, but a child who is utterly curious about what th
While Pearl's natural curiosity drives her on the quest of discovering the truth behind the scarlet letter, it is her sensitive and intelligent nature which answers a few of the questions associated with the mystery. An example of this sensitive nature occurs after the custody battle in which Hester fights for the right to remain as the guardian of Pearl. "Pearl...stole softly towards him, and taking his hand in the grasp of both her own, laid cheek against it" (Hawthorne 112). This seems to be Pearl's act of gratitude towards the Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale. One might wonder why the short-tempered child would behave in such a sweet way towards Dimmesdale. Perhaps she notes her mother's frantic voice and posture as Hester pleads with the men whose wish it is to take Pearl away and give her a "proper Christian upbringing." Pearl might also notice Dimmesdale's request that the child remain with her mother, and then the softening of Hester's face as her crisis ends. Without hearing a single word uttered, Pearl can easily see how Dimmesdale saves both her and her mother from a situation neither would enjoy. 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." Using Pearl's characteristics of curiosity and sensitivity, one can make assumptions about whether or not Pearl understands what the scarlet letter symbolizes. While she is too young to possibly comprehend Puritanical sin and punishment, Pearl can easily understand that the letter is her mother's chastisement and embarrassment. "An
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Approximate Word count = 1066
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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