I think it is somewhat ironic that Hester is forced to wear the A at all times as if her own child isn't enough proof of her past sins. Hester knows of her sins when she sees her daughter, but at the same time, Pearl serves as Hester's hope and consolation in the midst of trials. To me, I think that Pearl and the scarlet letter function similarly at times. Both the letter and Pearl are symbols of Hester's shame and sin. Because of her sins, Hester has become alienated by everyone. However, Pearl is her companion at these times as well. Similarly, the scarlet letter A is a curse in the sense that it reminds Hester of her past faults. Yet, the beautiful scarlet letter she sewed, brings Hester to her talents of sewing for others. Both the scarlet letter and Pearl serve as similar symbols in Hester's daily life.
Monday, April 23, 2012
The Scarlet Letter- Pearl & A
"Pearl was a born outcast of the infantile world. An imp of evil, emblem and product of sin, she had no right among christened infants. Nothing was more remarkable than the instinct, as it seemed, with which the child comprehended her loneliness; the destiny that had drawn an inviolable circle round about her; the whole peculiarity, in short, of her position in respect to other children." (page 70)
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Pearl is like the rose bush outside of the prison. When everyone else alienates her, pearl is there to breing some beauty to her life.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great observation, Debby. I sort of wrote a blog about a similar thought I had, but I do feel like the presence of Pearl is enough to constantly torture Hester with the knowledge of her sins. I mean, everyone around town gives her dirty looks and they all shun her. Then Hawthorne includes this character that reminds her even more of those same sins. To me it just seems like overkill because the reader already knows the suffering she goes through. I know Pearl does bring happiness to her life but she also adds some dispair as well.
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