Chapters 7-8
“Pearl, that wild and flighty little elf stole softly towards him, and taking his hand in the grasp of both her own, laid her cheek against it; a caress so tender, and withal so unobtrusive, that her mother, who was looking on, asked herself--"Is that my Pearl?" Yet she knew that there was love in the child's heart, although it mostly revealed itself in passion, and hardly twice in her lifetime had been softened by such gentleness as now…the minister [Dimmesdale] looked round, laid his hand on the child's head, hesitated an instant, and then kissed her brow. Little Pearl's unwonted mood of sentiment lasted no longer; she laughed, and went capering down the hall.” (p. 105-106)
This passage is significant because it demonstrates that Dimmesdale has a bigger part in the novel, than just being the minister. Pearl seems to be playing with Dimmesdale as said in the passage that her “mood of sentiment lasted no longer”. As, I have said, I believe that Dimmesdale might be the father, since the scene where Hester is place in front of the crowd. In chapter 8, he stands up for Hester and the Governor decides not to take Pearl away from her. He is the only character in the novel that has sympathy for her. Is that not quiet mysterious?
This passage is meaningful because its shows how the narrator is giving clues that Dimmesdale is the father of Pearl. Maybe this is another reminder from Pearl to Hester of her sin. Since, again Hester questions, “Is that my Pearl?” This passage also shows how Pearl is for once not angry in the chapter. It is like a scene between a daughter and a father, in the way she caresses her cheek against Dimmesdale’s hands.
Nathaniel Hawthorne uses many commas in this passage to provide suspense. The commas show how Dimmesdale is hiding something since he “hesitates an instant” and then kisses Pearl. The comma usage makes him seem even more nervous because the governor, Chillingworth, and Wilson are already looking at him. Nathaniel also organizes this situation after the questioning if Hester should or should not keep Pearl, since Chillingworth was present; to make him think that Dimmesdale is the father.
1. What purpose did Nathaniel Hawthorne have in providing the part in which the slave believes Hester is a good lady because of her “glittering symbol”? (pg. 95)
2. Do you think that Chillingworth has any suspicion of Dimmesdale being the father of Pearl?
3. Why does Pearl not answer Mr. Wilson’s question of her existence? Why didn’t she answer him like she did to Hester? (that the Heavenly Father did not make her)
Happy New Year! 2011 (:
#1
ReplyDeleteActually it is not a slave but an indenture servant. The servant believes that Hester is a good lady because she has an air of commanding and confidence, also because the letter is so pretty with its color and needlework. The servant probably thought the A meant she was a higher status and is of royal blood or something.
#3
Pearl probably didnt answer Mr.Wilson's question of existence because she has never spoken to another adult especially a man. And she didnt answer him, probably because she was basking the attention she is recieving from an adult man which is never recieved.
1) Yeah, I agree with Adilene, it's an indentured servant. Come on, Esmeralda, we're AP US History students! But Hawthorne included that specific scene to demonstrate the "power" of the scarlet letter. For example, the indentured servant thought the letter probably meant that she was a great lady in the land, but it means the exact opposite. Also, Hester intended on going to the governor's hall to deliver the garment she made for Gov. Bellingham, and she would not have entered if the indentured servant hadn't thought so. But created this scene so that Hester could go in, and then be challenged by the men there.
ReplyDelete2) Yeah, I think Chillingsworth is suspicious because he asks Mr. Wilson if it is possible to determine who the father is by looking at Pearl's features and personality. He is most probably suspicious of Dimmesdale already.
no its not the same thing..they both work yes but a slave is forever until death and an indenture servant is a certain amount of years!
ReplyDeleteAdilene I KNOOOOOOOOW! Don't get smart with me little girl. :P
ReplyDeleteResponse to #1
ReplyDeleteHawthorne uses the indentured servant (OR SEVEN YEARS SLAVE) as a means to present Hester as more than just a "bad seed". In agreement with Adilene and Yanel, he notices he skill and talent presented through the creatively decorated scarlet letter, in addition to her very presence that leaks pride, individuality, and inner strength. This slaving servant probably assumed she was a member of nobility, especially if she was visiting Governor Bellingham.
Response to #2
Roger Chillingworth most likely suspects Rev. Dimmesdale as being Hester's hidden lover and father of their love-child, at least by know, especially after Rev. Dimmesdale made such an excellent yet eager argument for Hester to keep her child.
Yeah!!! This is basic common sense, we shouldn't be arguing about it :)
ReplyDeleteIt says that it is a in book , that he is a indenture servant. JUST MADE A MISTAKE! lol :)
ReplyDelete#2 I believe Chillingworth is already suspecting that Dimmesdale is the father because the way Chillingworth looks at Dimmesdale when Dimmesdale backs up Hester( the priest and the governor want to take her child away).
ReplyDelete#3 Since Pearl is a child who doesn't have a paternal figure, Pearl says anything that pops up in her imagination to answer Mr.Wilson question. Also, as Adilene said, Pearl has not spoken to any adult except her mother,so she thinks it is a game for her and tells Mr. Wilson that she was plucked from the rose bush.