Ambivalence In The Scarlet Letter

Submitted By jd10chichu

Words: 345

Pages: 2

Open Document

Scarlet Letter Pearl’s Ambivalence in the Novel
The ambivalence concerning Pearl's description is mainly revolved around how Pearl is seen as a demon by the people around her-sometimes even by Hester- even though Pearl is actually a symbol that represents how she is the purest character in the entire novel. Pearl was first described as being, "worthy to have been brought forth in Eden"(Hawthorne 59). Then later her eyes are negatively described her eyes as being an," unsearchable abyss"(Hawthorne 64). These two descriptions juxtapose one another because Hawthorne has described objects and characters in his novel differently like the rose and how it is described as being in an ugly place and containing ugly characteristics yet being gorgeous and Hester as having done a sinful ugly action and then her physical appearance describes her as being beautiful. However, Pearl was described angelic at first then later on as being what people thought of her as within the novel- a demon. And not only is Pearl described as a demon, she is given multiple descriptions within a whole chapter dedicated to only her unlike most of the other characters that were described vaguely by Hawthorne. Hester claimed that Pearl's name meant she was her, "Only treasure"(Hawthorne 59). Hester was an outcast and also dressed differently than other people and in turn she tried harder for her child to look better than herself by making Pearl bolder clothes that made her stand out in a crowd for a good

Scarlet Letter Pearl Quotes

edition of the Oxford English Dictionary, the word “pearl” is defined as “a person or thing of great worth” (Pearl...) “The Role of Pearl” by Anne Marie McNamara explains why Pearl was such a crucial character in The Scarlet Letter. Pearl was one of the most important, if not the most important character because she is what makes Dimmesdale confess, she brings Hester and Dimmesdale together, and she is there to help Hester live with her sin. Pearl was an extremely important part of the forest scene…

Words 737 - Pages 3

Scarlet Letter Good Vs Evil

their sins hold them fast” (Old Testament). The Puritan Code was based on the Bible, and dictated unrealistic and destructive beliefs about sin. This led Puritans to hold an unforgiving set of morals that restricted their actions under the categories of only “good,” or only “evil.” Puritan minds were therefore convinced that the act of sin, and the sinner, exclusively fell under “evil.” Nathaniel Hawthorne creates a strong opposition to this ideology in The Scarlet Letter. He believed that sin should…

Words 1873 - Pages 8

Scarlett Letter Analysis Essay 1

understand furthermore about Pearls free spirited character and emphasizes the idea of a joyful spirit. Upon describing Pearl In chapter 6 of the Scarlet letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne carefully picks words that best describe Pearls loveliness and joyfulness. Her “luxuriance”, “brilliant”, “luster”, “white”, signifying a “pearl”(Hawthorne 81-90) like appearance, yet Hawthorne compares this cheerful, guiltless words with “wild”, “elf”, “flightiness” (Hawthorne 81-90) to describe Pearl as a mischievous character…

Words 765 - Pages 4

The Rose-Bush In The Scarlet Letter

prison door, Pearl, and Dimmesdale’s scarlet letter are three of the most concealed and essential symbols in the book. In the very beginning of the story, Hawthorne describes the prison door that Hester, the main character, is behind. He describes the door as “heavily timbered with oak, and studded with iron spikes” (pg. ). The jail is “already marked with weather-stains…

Words 954 - Pages 4

Scarlet Letter Forest Symbolism

In The Scarlet Letter, Hawthorne uses many symbols, for example the forest, sunshine and water. Symbols of things would be the scarlet letter itself and the symbols of places would be like the scaffold. Pearl is also one of the heavily symbolized characters in the book. One important part of the book is when Hester Prynne speaks to Dimmesdale about their predicament which takes place in the forest.Throughout the novel, it becomes very apparent that there is a difference between the forest and the…

Words 924 - Pages 4

Scarlet Letter Pearl Symbolism

Nathaniel Hawthorne, Pearl portrays the role of Hester Prynne’s daughter. She justifies as the product of adultery, deception, and misjudgment. However, Pearl, the beautiful daughter of the town’s adulterer, possesses demon-like qualities. Furthermore, the townspeople question whether Pearl characterizes a blessing or a curse. Overall, Pearl expresses the traits of both a blessing and a curse towards Hester by being her treasure, her responsibility, and her reminder of her sin. Throughout The Scarlet…

Words 604 - Pages 3

Sympathy In The Scarlet Letter

and acts. Pearl is the daughter of Hester, and the book uses her as a symbol. She becomes an important character in the book through her ability to provoke the elder character in the book by asking a question which not only draws their attention but the readers’ as well. Children in the book are portrayed to be more honest than adults, and Pearl is more perceptive than all of them. Reverend Dimmesdale…

Words 1134 - Pages 5

Symbolism Of Pearl In Scarlet Letter

Letter, to Pearl, one of the most complex characters of the novel. Some believe that Pearl is a mystery because she has a very fickle personality and is emotionally unpredictable. For example, at times, she loves to irrationally torture her mother, but at other times, she cares for her mother and seeks to defend her from Chillingworth, such as when she says, “ Come away, mother! Come away, or yonder old black man will catch you!”. Others believe that she serves as a symbol for her mother’s sin; still…

Words 1755 - Pages 8

Redemption In Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter

Extenuating circumstances are always evident when one is confronted with moral choices; however, individual ramifications are not the only scenarios to consider. Hester and Dimmesdale’s sin was made evident through Pearl, but Hawthorne allowed for all three to find redemption; Hester was not ashamed; Dimmesdale confesses; and Pearl was redeemed. Even though Peal could have symbolized the ramifications of selfish choices, she resembled the opportunity for redemption. There comes a point in every person's life…

Words 730 - Pages 3

Light And Darkness In The Scarlet Letter

bring the story to life. In The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne uses symbols, such as Pearl, the scarlet letter, and the comparison of light and darkness to represent good and evil, as a way to show the corruption of the puritan lifestyle. Pearl in The Scarlet Letter…

Words 883 - Pages 4