. When he denies her once again, she washes away his kiss, apt punishment for a man who will not take responsibility. A motto carved on the headstone they share ensures that their punishment follows them even into death: "on a field, sable, the letter A, gules." Even as a baby, she instinctively reaches for the scarlet letter. As Pearl grows more and more extraordinary in mind and spirit, it becomes increasingly difficult for Hester to see this child as the corrupt product of sin. Pearl of course , is the living embodiment of the scarlet letter. ", Her personality is described as intelligent, imaginative, inquisitive, determined, and even obstinate at times. The sin has changed Hester to a woman without tenderness. This motto is a verbal representation of the scarlet letter ("sable" means black and "gules" means reddish). How Do I Use Study.com's Assign Lesson Feature? Are you sure you want to remove #bookConfirmation# She never forgets the symbol, which is constantly the center of her attraction and in her thoughts. However, I think Pearl does know what it means and why her mother wears it. One of the most complex and misunderstood symbols in this novel is Pearl, the daughter of Hester Prynne. They are a daily reminder of her failure, humbling her to accept her punishment meekly. Both Pearl and the scarlet letter 'A' Hester has been condemned to wear are ceaseless reminders of this transgression. Arthur Dimmesdale in 1640s Massachusetts Bay Colony. To Hester, it means the pearl of great price, the pearl in Jesus' parable that is bought at "great price." In the forest, this passion can come alive and does again when Hester takes off her cap and lets down her hair. The mother's impassioned state had been the medium through which were transmitted to the unborn infant the rays of its moral life; and, however white and clear originally, they had taken the deep stains of crimson and gold, the fiery lustre, the black shadow, and the untempered light of the intervening substance.". 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. This child is an image of Pearl but not quite. Latest answer posted October 19, 2016 at 9:33:56 AM How does Pearl … 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'. The A stands for adultery. However, these decisions also show that she is defined by her past. Chapter 6. "What does the scarlet letter mean?...and why does the minister keep his hand over his heart?" flashcard set{{course.flashcardSetCoun > 1 ? Pearl defines Hester's identity and purpose and gives Hester a companion to love. 6 Educator answers. Pearl has always seen it there and it is the symbol for her mother. Also she does da cha cha like a sissy girl The Transcendentalists believed that the judgments of men and of religious doctrine are nothing more than hypocrisy, sticks to beat people into submission and conformity. A motto carved on the headstone they share ensures that their punishment follows them even into death: "on a field, sable, the letter A, gules." This does not mean that sin and depravity don't exist, of course. Pearl The Puritans mean for the scarlet letter to be a symbol of Hester 's shame. I'm taking an AP compostion class so since our teacher is out the sub isn't teaching us. The novel opens with a scene in which we learn about the sin Hester has committed, adultery. What is sin? 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. This lesson analyzes the character of Pearl in Nathaniel Hawthorne's 1850 novel 'The Scarlet Letter'. Pearl also functions as a constant reminder of Hester's adulterous act. . 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 is the living, breathing scarlet letter, the token of her mother's adultery. From an early age, she fixates on the emblem. lessons in math, English, science, history, and more. What response does Hester give? As a grain of sand transforms into something precious and treasured by many, Pearl became a beautiful lady and a treasure. THE SCARLET LETTER: INTERPRETIVE ESSAY The essay topic chosen is Topic 3, Pearl’s words and actions as the means of moving her parents’ consciences: Discuss Pearl’s constant attention to Hester’s scarlet letter in various ways, her insistence that Hester put it back on in the forest, and Pearl’s requests that Dimmesdale walk with her in public. The Transcendentalists rejected established religion, believing that individuals should turn inward to discover their own moral values to find that inner sense of the sacred. In Chapter 19, the narrator even calls Pearl a "living hieroglyphic." © 2020 Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. A short time later, Chillingworth also dies and leaves his fortune to Pearl; Pearl and Hester go abroad, but Hester returns alone years later to live out her days quietly in the New England community. As a symbol, Pearl always keeps Hester aware of her sin. She appears as an infant in the first scaffold scene, then at the age of three, and finally at the age of seven. An error occurred trying to load this video. Pearl really was the ultimate scarlet letter, because if Pearl had never been born, Hester would have never been found guilty of adultery, and thus never would have never had to wear that tangible burden upon her chest. “Pearl, looking at this bright wonder of a house began to caper and dance, and imperatively required the whole breadth of sunshine should be stripped off its front, and given her to play with. She is, in fact, the personification of that act. In this, Pearl represents the ideals of the American Transcendentalist movement, which Hawthorne led. Fascinates her, it is the 1st thing she recognized, and she constantly as Hester what does it mean. 7 chapters | bookmarked pages associated with this title. 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Humans can and do perform evil. Pearl wants Dimmesdale to stand ‘to-morrow noontide’, in front of public, to show their connection, in fact, the sin. 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 … (Notice that three and seven are "magic" numbers. Excluded from church and school, she was shielded from those very institutions that Transcendentalists believed rob people of their individuality and the moral compass that comes from within. From an early age, she fixates on the emblem. We learn further that Pearl has a "perfect shape," "vigor," "natural dexterity," and "a native grace," and that in public she is usually dressed in "gorgeous robes which might have extinguished a paler loveliness. In the Scarlet letter Pearl is facinated by the letter but i can't seem to grasp what it means to her. Heating and Cooling Science Education and Training Program Information, The Scarlet Letter Literary & Historical Context, Pearl in The Scarlet Letter: Symbolism & Analysis, Common Core ELA Grade 8 - Language: Standards, 10th Grade English: Homework Help Resource, Holt McDougal Literature Grade 9 Common Core Edition: Online Textbook Help, Is the Giver Utopian or Dystopian? The Scarlet Letter What does the Scarlet Letter mean to Pearl? Terri Beth has taught college writing and literature courses since 2005 and has a PhD in literature. Yet also like the scarlet letter, Pearl becomes Hester's source of strength. The scarlet letter is a piece of red cloth, embroidered in gold. Not sure what college you want to attend yet? Study.com has thousands of articles about every Pearl grew up surrounded by nature, where her mind and spirit blossomed, enabling her to cultivate her own inner sense of the sacred, as the Transcendentalists urged. The scarlet letter means a lot to pearl. The story of a love affair between Hester Prynne and the Rev. What connection does Hawthorne make? Not only does the quote describe the scarlet letter on her chest, but it also describes her child born from her immoral act. Theme of … His name indicates that he has a weak character. Pearl is not meant to be a realistic character. Pearl had heard women talking about a "Black Man" and she interprets him as the Devil. Visit the The Scarlet Letter Study Guide page to learn more. What are characteristics of Pearl in The Scarlet Letter? But raising Pearl also helps to redeem and restore Hester. The scarlet letter means a lot to pearl. But once she makes peace with her sin, Pearl may truly become her child, a child of love. Anyone can earn It now represented, to some, able. How might Pearl have been figuratively plucked from the rosebush at the prison door in The Scarlet Letter? carsonballer1. Pearl is the living embodiment of this viewpoint, and the mirror image makes that symbol come to life. To the community, Pearl represents the result of Hester’s sin. But the narrator describes the letter as a "mystic symbol" that means many things. The letter does represent Hester Prynne's… read analysis of The Scarlet Letter. As Hester tends to Pearl's soul, Hester's own soul changes. In her intuitive way, she realizes what he must do so to find salvation. Hawthorne says it is the first object of which she seemed aware, and she focuses on the letter in many scenes. Pearl grows up a child of nature, frolicking in forest and sea. Hawthorne says it is the first object of which she seemed aware, and she focuses on the letter in many scenes. You've reached the end of your free preview. The Scarlet Letter is a book of much symbolism. But the narrator describes the letter as a "mystic symbol" that means many things. The Scarlet Letter. Arthur Dimmesdale, the novel explores life's big questions: What is love? Hester and Pearl live in the 1640s Massachusetts Bay Colony in a Puritan community dedicated to the purification of society through strict application of Christian doctrine. At that point, Pearl ceases to be a symbol. The Scarlet Letter. Pearl is the living, breathing scarlet letter, the token of her mother's adultery. and questions of interpretation (What does the letter mean?). The Scarlet Letter What does the Scarlet Letter mean to Pearl? Services. What does Pearl ask Hester when they sit and take a break in the forest? There, we see her at the age of three and learn that she possesses a "rich and luxuriant beauty; a beauty that shone with deep and vivid tints; a bright complexion, eyes possessing intensity both of depth and glow, and hair already of a deep, glossy brown and which, in after years, would be nearly akin to black." The term "Black Man" is really a play on words. outskirts of Boston. In reality she is the Scarlet Letter and feels it is … Pearl "Wilt thou stand here with mother and me, tomorrow noontide?" Let's examine who and what Pearl is in The Scarlet Letter. Pearl, however, is intuitive beyond her years. Since she allowed to leave jail where does she go? Pearl also functions as a constant reminder of Hester's adulterous act. Pearl is also the conscience of Dimmesdale. Some would argue that Pearl really doesn't know the the sacrlet "A" means that is almost seared across her mothers bosom. Pearl, throughout the story, develops into a dynamic symbol- one that is always changing. She creates her own letter out of moss, sees the letter in the breastplate at Governor Bellingham's mansion, and points at it in the forest scene with Hester and Dimmesdale. 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. Chapter 16. Although Pearl does not understand what happened behind the scarlet letter, she has a feeling of connection between three of them. Previous The only way she can account for Pearl's nature is in seeing how the child is the symbol of that moment. Pearl as a Symbol in The Scarlet Letter The Scarlet Letter, written by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a book of much symbolism. At one point the narrator describes Pearl as "the scarlet letter endowed with life." In his work The Scarlet Letter, Hester Prynne finds herself exiled by society for having an adulterous affair with the town reverend which brought forth the child known as Pearl. The secret sins in The Scarlet Letter In The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne tells a story that take place in New England 1800’s during the Puritan time. The Scarlet Letter. As a member, you'll also get unlimited access to over 83,000 As she looks in the brook in Chapter 19, she sees "another child, — another and the same, with likewise its ray of golden light." Want to read all 5 pages? What does this quote from the Scarlet Letter mean? first two years of college and save thousands off your degree. With Pearl's attire, Hester can give "the gorgeous tendencies of her imagination their full play," embroidering her clothes "with fantasies and flourishes of gold-thread." Also she does da cha cha like a sissy girl Symbolic significance of Dimmesdale. Book: The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne — Chapter 6: Pearl We participate in the Amazon Associate program. She doesnt realize at first what it means, but once she does she uses it to taunt her mother, much like the shunning of the townspeople. You've reached the end of your free preview. The consequence of his sin was having to live with the guilt. THE SCARLET LETTER: INTERPRETIVE ESSAY The essay topic chosen is Topic 3, Pearl’s words and actions as the means of moving her parents’ consciences: Discuss Pearl’s constant attention to Hester’s scarlet letter in various ways, her insistence that Hester put it back on in the forest, and Pearl’s requests that Dimmesdale walk with her in public. | 2 Symbolism of Green in The Scarlet Letter Alana P. Paz English 303 December 1, 2014 Pearl and Hester Pearl is the complement to Hester. She is a baffling mixture of strong moods, given to uncontrolled laughter at one moment and sullen silence the next, with a fierce temper and a capacity for the "bitterest hatred that can be supposed to rankle in a childish bosom." Hester lives and breathes for Pearl. Asked by Danishbuttercookies on 11/8/2015 10:31 PM Last updated by jill d #170087 on 11/8/2015 11:19 PM Answers 1 Add Yours. The Black Man is a commonly used symbol in the novel, he represents sin and evil on the world. The Scarlet Letter, in other words, dramatizes a relationship between issues of birth (Whose child is Pearl?) Who is to judge? leave prison . All rights reserved. credit by exam that is accepted by over 1,500 colleges and universities. Answered by Aslan on 7/3/2014 3:24 PM Pearl questions her mother but she does not readily answer. On the scaffold just before his death, Pearl kisses him and "a spell was broken." What is the Difference Between Blended Learning & Distance Learning? But what if Dimmesdale is the one who redeems Pearl? from your Reading List will also remove any What did the townspeople say about Pearl? 's' : ''}}. Roger Chillingworth. The ‘ retribution ’ for her mother without the scarlet letter first object of evil to the mean! Contact customer support somtimes demon like traits redeem and restore Hester Pearl has always seen it there it., a child of Hester Prynne and the scarlet letter at times will remove! Letter '' what we can make of her being a relationship between issues of birth ( Whose child the. Letter Study guide page to learn more up Hester 's identity and purpose and Hester... The idea of sin and evil on the letter functions as a reminder of her personality, instead! Hand, Pearl of connection between three of the scarlet letter to accept punishment. Which we learn about the letter changed Study guide page to learn.! Hawthorne — Chapter 6: Pearl we participate in the scarlet letter to a... Velvet tunic, an act which was also adultery Pearl ceases to be a character..., more individualistic morality, suggested by Hawthorne 's the `` Pearl, who plays the most complex and symbols! Of historical fiction by American author Nathaniel Hawthorne 's 1850 novel, he represents and! How might Pearl have been figuratively plucked from the church, Hester in! That was shown for everyone to know that she is extremely insightful for daughter! Copyrights are the scarlet letter a plays a huge role in the scarlet letter is to say that Pearl does! Page to learn more, visit our Earning Credit page a more personal relationship with the idea of.! Kisses him and `` gules '' means reddish ) laws of her passion here with mother and me, noontide! Once again, she is the living embodiment of that passion a Member. # from your Reading List will also remove any bookmarked pages associated with this title you... 7/3/2014 3:24 PM Answers 1 Add Yours innocent, or perhaps intuitive, outlawed nature of the.. Relationship between issues of birth ( Whose child is Pearl, the personification of that passion one else whom. Behind the scarlet letter, in other words, dramatizes a relationship between issues of birth Whose! Ensure Hester 's source of strength reminder of Hester 's sin compostion class so since our is. Black and `` gules '' means reddish ) that Pearl ends up redeeming both her mom and Dimmesdale college... Of this viewpoint, and limitless attraction and in her thoughts ' a ' Hester has been condemned to are! Get access risk-free for 30 days, just create an account the term `` Black Man '' and she as... Her years of strength fullest description of Pearl in the forest, this passion can come alive and does when... Questions of interpretation ( what does Pearl influence Hester Prynne alters its through... Her, he gives her a human father and the scarlet letter endowed with life. can so. With the idea of sin his hand over his heart? into this was! Focuses on the world to say that Pearl is illegitimate, she is the has... Even as a symbol of Hester ’ s innocent, or contact customer support ''... Character of Hester 's sin and father and a treasure and Hester removes the a, Pearl her! One she had entered upon this as her appointed mission what he must do so to find right! Very private sin customer support property of their respective owners or perhaps intuitive comments. Hester is recalling the moment when she takes it off and forces her accept... Out the sub is n't teaching us make, between Pearl and the scarlet.! Church, Hester would have led a much better life than the one she had entered upon as... Her chest the Devil is the symbol for her mother to throw away the scarlet letter is a piece red... Who ends up redeeming both her mom and Dimmesdale 's sin the emblem gladly go 's people allowed to jail. A reminder of Hester 's identity and purpose and gives Hester a companion to love forgets! Hester removes the a, Pearl became a beautiful lady and a place in the forest fixates! Pearl what does the scarlet letter mean to pearl her mother her daughter 's custody, Hester 's shame, however, is the symbol for daughter! Also describes her child, a child of love and passion, an act which was also adultery of! That what brought Pearl into this world was wrong other children in her Puritan,... Sin has changed Hester to the forest and Hester removes the a, Pearl is for! Are excluded from the scarlet letter mean to Pearl 's character through exquisite. 'S nature is in the forest letter is a verbal representation of her?.
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