The Scarlet Letter Chapters 5-8

Chapters 5-8 introduce Hester Prynne’s ambiguous attitudes towards the scarlet letter that she is forced to wear and her daughter, Pearl. Hester feels that the constant stares drawn to her scarlet letter are utterly distressing and torturous as the narrator describes that she “had always this dreadful agony in feeling a human eye upon the token” (Hawthorne 77).  In these descriptions, the reader can see how society’s harsh judgement of Hester detrimentally impacts her character and leads her to feel alienated. The scarlet letter is an emblem of her sin that attracts even more unwanted attention and shameful looks. However, Hester goes on to reveal a sort of appreciation for her scarlet letter. Although she is hesitant to say so, she feels that the scarlet letter has, “endowed her with a new sense” (77).  She describes that this new sense achieved through the letter enables her to acknowledge the sins of others and be sympathetic towards them. Therefore, Hester is pained by the judgmental looks she receives because of the letter, but is grateful that it gives her a newfound perspective and sympathy. 

Moreover, Hester’s characterization of Pearl is by far the most intriguing thing to me in these chapters. Pearl is attributed to be beautiful, brilliant, passionate, and socially defiant like her mother, however there is a side to her that is peculiar. Hester describes that Pearl often has a look that reflects perversity and maliciousness, so she cannot help but question whether Pearl is a “human child” or not. Throughout these chapters, Hester looks for signs of witchcraft in her daughter and demonic like characteristics. Something I thought was ironic was when Pearl threw stones at a group of children who were taunting her. I believe that Hawthorne is purposely alluding to the punishment of stoning that took place during the witch trials. Pearl’s act of throwing stones implies that society is the villain here and is being punished for its sinful crimes, while Pearl is innocent. Going back to Hester’s characterization of Pearl, in some ways it seems that she is literally describing the antichrist. When I read this quote about Pearl, “Whether moved only by her ordinary freakishness, or because an evil spirit prompted her, she put up her small forefinger, and touched the scarlet letter.” I got goosebumps due to its creepy tone. Hester feels that because she has committed a heinous sin, god has bestowed upon her a devil child. However, I believe that Hester’s perception of her daughter could be a manifestation of her own shame and guilt. Because the baby was born out of sin, she subconsciously believes that there is no way Pearl can be close to normal. This manifestation of guilt is also shown in the way that Hester dresses Pearl in the same crimson red that the scarlet letter beholds.