S.L. Chp. 6

#13

"Child, what art thou?" cried the mother. "Oh, I am your little Pearl!" answered the child. But while she said it, Pearl laughed, and began to dance up and down with the humoursome gesticulation of a little imp, whose next freak might be to fly up the chimney. "Art thou my child, in very truth?" asked Hester.

Hester can't believe what Pearl is becoming. She sees Pearl in the way that society wants her to but she still loves the child. This could be setup as Society vs Hester since society has influenced Pearl into becoming a devil child. Pearl is much too young to understand the real meaning of Hester's question which shows her still blooming as a person/character. When Hester questions "Art though my child, in very truth?" she may be saying could this be your father's side? Or she is so shocked by Hester's imp like actions that she starts to think society, the Puritans, may be right about Pearl.

S.L. chpt. 8

#12

"Pearl? ---Ruby, rather!-----or Coral!--- or Red Rose at the very least judging from thy hue!"

Mr. Wilson retorts to Pearls previous outburst with the quote above. He directly relates her to the rose bush from the first chapter which is also a key symbol of the theme nature vs society. In the opinion of Mr. Wilson Red Rose, is a suggested name for Pearl since he feels Pearl is not a suitable name for a demonic child. Pearls are of course small shiny cream/white jewels held beloved by many. They are created by sea creatures called clams. I'm saying this because they are produced by an animal that is practically inanimate. A creature that does nothing and in a way is pure. The rose is a plant that depends on season and weather. Also they can be unpleasant if stuck with one of their thorns.

S.L. Chpt 8

#11

"I am mother's child," answered the scarlet vision, "and my name is Pearl!'

Pearl yells at the old minister, Mr. Wilson, which is only natural for  her now. After being called a naughty elf or fairy she is referred to by Hawthorn as a scarlet vision.

"An experience of seeing someone or something in a dream or trance, or as a supernatural apparition"

This is the definition for vision in this situation and it strikes me a little. Hawthorne in a way is going back to his Puritan roots by referring to her in such a way. It may be that Hawthorn is just viewing Pearl in the perspective of Mr. Wilson. 

When Pearl yells, "I am mother's child," it has been made official that she is becoming or at least wants to become exactly like her mother.

Chp. 6 S.L.

#10

One day, as her mother stooped over the cradle,  the infants eyes had been caught by the glimmering of the gold embroidery about the letter; and putting up her little hand, she grasped at it, smiling, not doubtfully, but with a decided gleam that gave her face the look of a much older child

And a rebel is born! Pearl has chosen what she thinks she likes and that is whatever her mother likes. Since she is raised with only her mother she is her biggest influence. Hester believes that she is doing right and maintains confidence. Little does she know that her handy fancy needle work will be a major symbol in Pearl's life. Along with the color red.

Hester does notice the Pearl's enamor towards her letter but cannot see the possible effects of her exposure this early in the story.

Chpt. 6 S.L.

#9

Pearl vs witchery

Pearl seems to have this air of creativity which gives me a very modern child feel about her. Pearl seems to be ahead of her time for as far as children of that day go. With these creative gifts though Pearl also gives a feeling of insanity, or as Puritans would've viewed it witchcraft. She doesn't help her case by scaring off children with her voice or having conversations with herself in different voices. I believe that society is to blame as for what Pearl is becoming. Since she has been labeled by parents, their children will label her the same and continue the cycle of rumors. My point is that Pearl seems to be welcoming a possible demise.

S.L. Chp.6

#8
Pearl

Pearl should rightfully be in a state of mass confusion from all of the views placed upon her. Hester her mother loves her and holds her near and dear to her heart. She is very much a precious treasure to Hester. Society views her as a satanic being because she was born out of wedlock and her dad has just walked out on her. So neglected and yet so loved.

CHp. 5 S.L.

#7
Hester at her needle

Hester is released from prison and shunned to live in a small cottage. The meaning of this chapter is to show the mental test of strength that she is going to be put through. How does Hester cope with semi isolation and a young child? She decides to persevere and occupy her time by sewing. So she practically opens up shop armed with needles and thread. Only problem is that she's not selling them. The citizens like her but only for her handmade clothing. Everyone comes and buys her goods because of her high quality work. Although they do still feel the need to shun and ban her from making wedding dresses for trade since she has been poisoned with sin.