scarlet letter 8-13

In chapter eight Hester is asked by Governor Bellingham’s sister, Mistress Hibbins, to go to a witch gathering in the forest; “wilt though go with us to-night?” Hester refuses to go and asks Mistress Hibbins to make an excuse for her. Hester says she “must tarry home, and keep watch over little Pearl. Had they taken her from me, I would have willingly gone with thee into the forest…” Pearls place in Hester’s life has caused her to avoid evil and “saved her form Satan’s snare.” In my opinion this shows that while Pearl has caused Hester to undergo a great deal suffering for her actions, she serves a blessing in Hesters life. Pearl prevents Hester from committing another sinful act and forces her to think about what she is about to do. I feel that Pearl allows Hester to somewhat justify her actions and helps her to find a positive aspect in the sin she committed. While Pearl has entered into the world due to a sinful act she emerges as a benefit in Hester’s life.

This occurrence also makes me question how a witch, such as Mistress Hibbins, can be regarded in high social status. Is the fact that she is the sister of Governor Bellingham that allows others to overlook her actions? It is interesting that Hester is banished from the town and looked poorly on by the entire community for her sinful act, while there is evil in the Governors mansion and family. Though she is later executed because she is a witch it shows that anyone and everyone can succumb to temptation of evil and sin.