GS
The Scarlet Letter
Chapter Five
Hester at Her Needle
Plot:
•
A
After a few months, Hester is released from prison and since she’s free, she has been given the right to leave Boston if
she wants, but she chooses not to. The reasons she chooses to stay are:
(1) New England was the scene of her crime; therefore, it should be the scene of her punishment.
(2) Hester’s life has been too deeply marked by the things that have happened to her in Boston for her to leave.
(3) Hester feels bound to Pearl’s father, who continues to live in Boston.
•Hester settles in an abandoned cabin on a patch of infertile land at the edge of town, away from everyone.
•Hester is able to supports herself due to her uncommon talent in needlework. Hester makes gloves, burial shrouds and
other things. The only thing people don’t ask Hester to make is a brides white veil because she committed adultery.
•Despite her success, Hester feels lonely and is constantly aware of the bad way people treat her.
• She devotes part of her time to charity work, but even this is more punishment because those she helps frequently insult
her.
Characters: Hester and Pearl
Setting: Hester’s Cottage.
Major Theme: Hester Prynne Vs.
Society
Literary Devices: Simile-“She would pick up stones to throw at them (the kids who gathered around her) and make
incomprehensible shrieks that made her mother tremble because they sounded like the curses of some alien witch.”
Treatment of Women: Hester wasn’t treated nicely by the town people at all, they always looked down on her , insulted
her even when she helped them, and used her as an example of a sinner.
Tone: Sad because Hester is not treated nice by people, even the ones she helps. Also Hester lives a lonely life.
Plot:
Chapter Six
Pearl
•The only companion Hester has is her daughter Pearl. Pear is described as a beautiful flower growing out of sinful soil.
She is named because she was “purchased with all Hester had.” Hester always dresses Pearl with the best clothes and
always makes her beautiful, for she wants her to stand out.
•Pearl has inherited all of Hester’s moodiness, passion, and defiance. Hester loves but worries about Pearl.
•Pearl was not allowed to play with other Christian kids because she came from sinful parents. Pearl is aware of her
difference from others, and when Hester tries to teach her about God, Pearl says, “I have no Heavenly Father!”
•Pearl is fascinated by the scarlet letter and at times she tortures her mother by playing with it. Once, when Pearl is pelting
the letter with wildflowers, and Hester frustrated asks her what is she doing, Pearl turns the question to her mother,
insisting that Hester tell her of her origins.
•Surprised at the boldness of Pearl since she is only three years old, Hester wonders if Pearl might not be the demon-child
that many of the townspeople believe her to be.
Characters: Hester and Pearl
Setting: Hester’s Cottage
Major Theme: The Happiness and Punishment Pearl brings Hester
Literary Devices: Symbolism- Pearl symbolizes Hester's Scarlet Letter because she punishes Hester by reminding her of
her sin. Pearl is also a blessing because she gives Hester a reason to live, and brings up her spirit when she is about to
give up.
Treatment of Women: Pearl is also subject to the cruelties of the townspeople and the other children do not treat Pearl
nice. Because Pearl is usually alone with her mother, she creates casts of characters in her imagination to keep her
company.
Tone:
•Sad because society is cruel and does not accept Pearl because she is the daughter of Hester.
•Scary because Hester is scared of the way Pearl behaves sometimes and wonders if Pearl is the demon-child the
townspeople believe her to be.