I believe that Pearl is just like all other children her age. Those with younger siblings know that toddlers are prone to have behavioral outbursts. I do not think that she is "evil"; she simply mischievous.
On page 94, Hester says "She is my happiness!-She is my torture, nonetheless! Pearl keeps me here in life!... Ye shall not take her! I will die first!"
Here we see that Pearl seems to be a somewhat of a paradox, she is Hester's only companion and keeps her happy, yet she is a constant reminder of the sin she committed. She is both Hester's joy and misery. On the other hand, Pearl also keeps keeps her motivated to 'stay in line' and face her challenges head on, despite the fact that others are against her and tempt her to fall into "Satan's snare". (pg 97)
Pearl lives from the inside out or naturally. She has this automatic understanding of people and herself, so she isn't weighed down by the Puritan society (well until she grows up). I feel that Pearl's presence is more than happiness and a reminder of Hester's sin, or she is just happiness and a reminder?
Pearl is nature, she is a symbol of transcendentalism. For example in chapter 18, she becomes one with nature through the plants and animals..."The truth seems to be, however, that the mother-forest, and these wild things it nourished, all recognized a kindred wildness in the human child." (169)
I believe that Pearl is just like all other children her age. Those with younger siblings know that toddlers are prone to have behavioral outbursts. I do not think that she is "evil"; she simply mischievous.
ReplyDeleteOn page 94, Hester says "She is my happiness!-She is my torture, nonetheless! Pearl keeps me here in life!... Ye shall not take her! I will die first!"
Here we see that Pearl seems to be a somewhat of a paradox, she is Hester's only companion and keeps her happy, yet she is a constant reminder of the sin she committed. She is both Hester's joy and misery. On the other hand, Pearl also keeps keeps her motivated to 'stay in line' and face her challenges head on, despite the fact that others are against her and tempt her to fall into "Satan's snare". (pg 97)
Pearl lives from the inside out or naturally. She has this automatic understanding of people and herself, so she isn't weighed down by the Puritan society (well until she grows up). I feel that Pearl's presence is more than happiness and a reminder of Hester's sin, or she is just happiness and a reminder?
ReplyDeletePearl is nature, she is a symbol of transcendentalism. For example in chapter 18, she becomes one with nature through the plants and animals..."The truth seems to be, however, that the mother-forest, and these wild things it nourished, all recognized a kindred wildness in the human child." (169)
ReplyDelete