The Scarlet Letter

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   timbrady Teacher
   College - Senior

   In the most general sense, Pearl needs a "normal" home life.  In particular, she needs an earthly father as Hester herself notes:  "And my child must seek a heavenly father; she shall never know an earthly one!"  Interestly, this proves to be true; when Dimmesdale finally is ready to accept Pearl, he dies.  Throughout the novel, especially at the second Scaffold Scene, Pearl tries to get Dimmesdale to answer her question: "But wilt thou promise," asked Pearl, "to take my hand, and mother's hand, to-morrow noontide?" 

   Once Dimmesdale dies, Pearl seems free of her now unattainable desire, and can begin a "normal" life.

   Despite her odd nature and need of a father, Pearl does give meaning to Hester's life ... she is the "Pearl of great price." She is Hester's greatest joy and her greatest grief.

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   Posted by timbrady on Thursday September 11, 2008 at 4:23 PM
   
   

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