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How Does Hawthorne Present Pearl's Relationship In The Scarlet Letter

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The mother and daughter relationship is one of the most complex relationships in nature. The relationship can be both love and hate in which one eventually triumphs over the other. The textbook standard is a supportive and loving relationship between the mother and her daughter. However, The Scarlet Letter, written by Nathaniel Hawthorne, shows that the relationship is much more complex with the mother giving everything she has to her daughter no matter the circumstances or consequences while her daughter is a mirror that reflects every imperfection and speck of beauty. From the earliest moments of her life, Pearl is a constant reminder of the flaws and wrongdoings of her mother, Hester. Hester, who is punished for adultery by constantly wearing a scarlet letter “A” on her chest, is …show more content…

This shows that Pearl knows her role in her relationship with her mother, as well as the fact that they are isolated from other members of society, despite the fact that Pearl is the result of Hester’s sins. During chapter seven of the novel, the idea that Pearl is the embodiment of Hester’s sins and wrongdoings is further expressed. Hester is traveling with Pearl to the residence of the Governor when Hester realizes that Pearl is the embodiment of her scarlet letter; therefore, Pearl is the direct result of Hester’s adultery which greatly affects their relationship. During numerous parts of the novel, Hester refers to Pearl as an elf-child, a term that is often in reference to Pearl’s mischievous actions. However, Pearl is often stated to be a pure child despite her mischievous and nearly devilish actions. She is constantly chasing other children or screaming at them. Additionally, the townspeople of the novel often refer to Pearl as a demon child which is due to her actions. However, Hester rarely ever sees Pearl in this light, but instead sees her as a beautiful treasure. The relationship between Hester and Pearl is also a driving force of the plot throughout the

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