Hester wishes that Pearl could "soothe away the sorrow that lay cold in her heart" but the child did not empathize with her mother, her "elfish" nature prevented her from doing so. (pg 149)
However, in chapter 23 we see a complete transformation of Pearl
"the great scene 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 foe ever do battle with the world, but be a woman in it.
She is no longer the naive child that ran along oblivious to human sorrows. She is not the same child that mocked her mother not truly understanding the pain she caused.. Having finally felt grief herself, she could now truly sympathize with her mother's anguish.
What were your thoughts on Pearl's eye-opening moment? Do you think that it is too late for her to grow into this new found role in time to be there for her mother?
Throughout the story it was hard to feel any personal connection to the character of Pearl because she didn't really display human emotions that us readers could relate to. I think that the scene where Pearl undergoes a transformation, or a humanization, was a climatic point in the story. Now that Pearl is able to sympathize for others and show sorrow, I believe she is able to become a strong individual.
ReplyDeleteI'd have to say I disagree with your statement saying that she's become a "strong individual" after Dimmesdale's death. She is still unaware in my opinion. Especially for the fact that she's already grown into childhood and just recently felt sadness after a whole 7 years of life. If anything, I think Pearl would just develop a questioning mindset. Since she hadn't felt sadness before, she would take it as strange, or new, causing her to question why she felt that way. It wont be until she understands what sadness is and why she had it that she'll be more mature about it.
DeleteI agree with you Sergio, but I didn't say that Pearl has become a strong individual but I said she now has the ability to become one.
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