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Questions and Answers
Why did Hester name her child Pearl?
Why did Hester name her child Pearl?
- Because it is a traditional name
- Because it represents purity
- Because it represents that Hester paid a great price to have her (correct)
- Because it represents wealth
Why can't Pearl be made amendable to rules?
Why can't Pearl be made amendable to rules?
Because she is crazy
What would Pearl do when children gathered around her?
What would Pearl do when children gathered around her?
She would scream and throw rocks at them
When Pearl plays, what does she imagine instead if friends?
When Pearl plays, what does she imagine instead if friends?
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What does the Scarlet Letter mean to Pearl?
What does the Scarlet Letter mean to Pearl?
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What did the townspeople say about Pearl?
What did the townspeople say about Pearl?
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Study Notes
Naming and Significance of Pearl
- Hester names her child Pearl to symbolize the great cost she endured for her existence.
- The name reflects both value and sacrifice, highlighting Hester's complex emotions regarding motherhood and sin.
Pearl's Behavior and Nature
- Pearl's inability to conform to societal rules stems from her wild and untamed nature.
- When other children approach her, she reacts aggressively, often screaming and throwing rocks.
Play and Imagination
- Instead of familiar friends, Pearl imagines enemies during her playtime, indicating a tumultuous internal world.
- Her imaginative play suggests a deep-seated conflict and isolation from her peers.
Pearl's Curiosity about the Scarlet Letter
- The Scarlet Letter captivates Pearl, as it is one of the first things she notices.
- Constantly inquiring about the meaning of the letter, Pearl shows an intrinsic connection to her mother's shame and identity.
Townspeople's Perception of Pearl
- The community perceives Pearl as a "demon offspring," contributing to her outsider status and the stigma surrounding her existence.
- This characterization underscores societal views on sin and illegitimacy in Puritan society.
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