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September 18, 2005
another "Pearl" of wisdom...
Hawthorne, The Scarlet Letter (Ch 14-21) -- American Literature, 1800-1915 (EL 266)
I haven't finished the reading yet but I wanted to comment on Pearl in chapter 15.
"Dost thou know, child, wherefore thy mother wears this letter?"
"Truly do I!" answered Pearl, looking brightly into her mother's face. "It is for the same reason that the minister keeps his hand over his heart!"
Although the conversation goes on to reveal that Pearl does not know the exact reason, just the fact that a child of seven should have such insight is amazing. She really does sound like she is her mother's conscience talking. Hawthorne has given this child such intuition that it floors me. And when Hester asks Pearl what the reason is and Pearl comments that she has told all she knows, to ask the "old man whom thou hast been talking with!" (Chillingworth) This child has noticed far more than you would expect a child to notice in watching the interactions among these three adults. Perhaps there is something to my idea for a paper about Pearl being the wisest character in the story despite her age. (Or perhaps in part because of??)
Posted by HollyMcCloy at September 18, 2005 02:30 AM
Comments
I agree with what you are saying about Pearl. I think Hawthorne was really trying to give the reader a way to understand the story and what better way to do that than through a child. He shows how adults will often lie to hide their sins, but the innocence and honesty of a child can not be hidden.
Posted by: Stacy at September 18, 2005 05:44 PM
Holly,
Great observation about Pearl. It seems to me that she is the most objective character in the book. All she does is sit back, and notice the things that adults don't. Maybe Hawthorne was focusing on the element of how intelligent children really are, and that adults don't see it. Maybe Pearl is just one of a kind. Maybe both.
The symbolism is noticeable about Arthur Dimmesdale, and is pretty heavy when you make the connection between Hester and Dimmesdale. When you read the end, you will notice why he clings to his chests (that's if you haven't picked up on the foreshadowing).
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Posted by: Jason Pugh at September 19, 2005 10:01 AM
great insight holly. i agree 100% with you about pearl's wisdom. that seems to be a theme in the story that i am completely stuck on as well. pearl's intuition is almost too much to handle sometimes.
Posted by: LaurenEtling at September 19, 2005 03:12 PM
I was struck with Pearl's wisdom too, but in a somewhat different way. It is strange and almost eerie how mature and wise Pearl acts. She is only seven yet speaks and conducts herself like a grown woman.
I agree with Jason that Hawthorne must have been making some sort of point about the hidden wisdom of children or something because why else would Pearl be such a strong character? Perhaps Hawthorne was ahead of his time with the idea that children can in fact be very intelligent and can pick up on adult problems and issues.
Posted by: Vanessa at September 19, 2005 04:18 PM
I am amazed at the wisdom of both Pearl and Hester. Pearl doesn't act like she's seven. I would have to agree that she may be one of the wisest characters in the story.
Posted by: Dee at September 19, 2005 09:06 PM
I think there is definately something to the idea that Hawthorne is making a remark on the hidden wisdom of children. But I have been thinking it may just be a nice way of pulling everything together, and as Pearl is an outward symbol of her parents' sin, she is also a rather outspoken one. I'm not sure what exactly what I think yet but I will be back on this one!
Posted by: Holly McCloy at September 19, 2005 11:11 PM
Children always say what is on their minds and I believe that if adults would be more honest with eachother, the world would have less sin and more tolerance. I agree about Pearl as Hestor's conscience, because inside Hestor has a passionate spirit but Pearl is the one who shows it.
Posted by: Erin Waite at September 20, 2005 09:44 PM