What does the ocean symbolize in the scarlet letter?
Hawthorne uses water to symbolize the spirit of both Hester and of Pearl. The sea symbolizes Hester, as the narrator says, “But the sea heaved, swelled and foamed, very much at its own will, or subject only to the tempestuous wind, with hardly any attempts at regulation by human law” ( 219).
What does Hester tell Pearl is the purpose of the scarlet letter?
But despite repeated questions by Pearl, Hester says she wears the letter for “the sake of the gold thread” — the first time she had “been false to the symbol on her bosom.” Pearl is not satisfied and continues to question Hester until Hester threatens to shut Pearl in a dark closet.
What happens to Pearl at the end of the scarlet letter?
A short time later, Chillingworth also dies and leaves his fortune to Pearl; Pearl and Hester go abroad, but Hester returns alone years later to live out her days quietly in the New England community. By inheriting Chillingworth’s fortune, Pearl also redeems her tainted origins.
What does pearl symbolize Scarlet?
Pearl is a sort of living version of her mother’s scarlet letter. She is the physical consequence of sexual sin and the indicator of a transgression. She represents not only “sin” but also the vital spirit and passion that engendered that sin.
What does The Scarlet Letter symbolize at the end?
The letter of “A” written in scarlet color and placed around the neck of Hester becomes a symbol of sin, especially adultery. However, it is fascinating to note that the same letter becomes a symbol of innocence, penance and angelic character of Hester by the end of the story.
Why does Hawthorne use symbolism?
Hawthorne extensively uses the literary technique of symbolism to convey an idea to his audience. The symbolism of his works focused on isolation and guilt of the individual, the uncertainties of good and evil, and the continual hold of the past on the present.
Who is Pearl’s father?
Reverend Dimmesdale
The first clue that Reverend Dimmesdale is Pearl’s father is revealed in Chapter III, The Recognition, when Hester is asked to name the father of her illegitimate child, Pearl. When Hester refuses to name the man, Reverend Dimmesdale clutches his chest and murmurs, “Wondrous strength and generosity of a woman’s heart!
Why does Pearl refuse to retrieve the scarlet letter herself?
Why does Pearl refuse to retrieve the scarlet letter herself? The narrator suggests that Pearl may be reluctant to return from the natural world and directly states that she feels excluded from her mother’s affection by the presence of Dimmesdale.
Why does Pearl Kiss the scarlet letter?
So, when Dimmesdale kisses Pearl, he truthfully acknowledges her as his daughter; therefore, Pearl kisses him in like recognition as she ceases to be a symbol of her parents’ adultery and becomes human, in acceptance and forgiveness of Dimmesdale, and in weeping human tears for the first time in the narrative.
What happened to Pearl at the end of the story?
Heartbroken, Juana and Kino return to La Paz. The two approach the gulf, and Kino looks at the pearl for the last time and sees in it an image of Coyotito with his head shot away. In anguish, Kino hurls the pearl into the ocean. It sinks to the bottom and is soon buried in the sand.
What is the Scarlet A?
The definition of a scarlet letter is an identifying mark or brand placed on someone who has committed adultery. (historical) A letter A in scarlet cloth required to be worn by those convicted of adultery in 17th-century Puritan New England.
What does the scarlet letter symbolize at the end?
How does Pearl react to the crowd during the procession?
While she meditates on her future, Pearl, agitated by the crowd and celebration, dances as she waits for the procession. She alone senses Hester’s excitement; to other observers, Hester appears to watch the procession passively.
Why are Pearl’s comments important in this chapter?
Pearl’s comments are also important in this chapter because they point to the doom facing Dimmesdale unless he publicly repents. She prophetically describes the minister as a “strange, sad man . . . with his hand always over his heart!” She does not understand why the minister cannot acknowledge her or her mother “here, in the sunny day.”
Why do Hester and Pearl go to the marketplace?
Hester and Pearl go to the marketplace to watch the procession and celebration as elected officials assume their offices. Hester thinks about leaving Boston with Dimmesdale and having a life as a woman once again.
What questions does Pearl ask Hester during the procession?
She alone senses Hester’s excitement; to other observers, Hester appears to watch the procession passively. Pearl continues to ask Hester precocious questions. She wants to know about the procession and asks whether the minister will acknowledge them as he did on the midnight scaffold.