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Example research essay topic: Hand Over His Heart Pearl - 1,016 words

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The Scarlet Letter Children are, by nature, incredibly sensitive creatures. They can sense almost any emotion an adult might feel just by observing that adult? s body language and facial expressions. Such is the case with the youthful Pearl from the novel The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne.

As the daughter of the adulteress Hester Prynne, the townspeople view Pearl as a demon in an angel? s clothing; who not only knows exactly what the letter A signifies on the bosom of her mother, but as the demon who placed it there, as well. Townspeople also believe that Pearl uses this information against Hester by constantly mentioning the letter in order to make Hester extremely uncomfortable. I believe this is not true based on the following dialogue. ?

Nay, mother, I have told all I know, ? said Pearl more seriously than she was wont to speak? ? But is good earnest now, mother dear, what does this scarlet letter mean? - and why dost thou wear it in thy bosom? - and why does the minister keep his hand over his heart? ? She took her mother? s hand in both her own, and gazed into her eyes with an earnestness that was seldom seen in her wild and capricious character. (Hawthorne 164) This dialogue does not seem to be the words of a demon, but of a child who is utterly curios about what the letter A on her mother? s bosom means.

One must not underestimate Pearl? s intelligence though. In fact, Pearl is not the demon many townspeople consider her to be; instead she is intelligent and sensitive towards her surroundings and can understand much about the scarlet letter Hester wears. The neighboring townspeople?

had given out that poor little Pearl was a demon offspring; such as ever since old Catholic times had occasionally been seen on earth, through the agency of their mother? s sin, and to promote some foul and wicked purpose. (Hawthorne 91) From this statement and many others similar to it throughout the novel, readers are given the impression that Pearl is a possessed child. It is important for one to understand these references are an attempt on Hawthorne? s part to display to the reader a fragment of Puritanical society.

By no means is Pearl a mischievous child. She is a curious child. When Hester refuses to reveal to Pearl the identity of her father, Pearl? s burning curiosity quickly ignites and forces her to scream out the following demand.

Tell me! Tell me! ? It is thou that must tell me! (Hawthorne 90) This is not the only time Pearl? s curiosity is sparked throughout the novel.

In fact, there are many times where Pearl becomes inquisitive over one mystery or another; this next example is one of them. Why, what is this, mother? ? Wherefore have all the people left their work today? Is it a play-day for the whole world? (Hawthorne 208) In this situation, Pearl is overwhelmed by curiosity, as the entire population of Boston is decked in their finery for a reason that is unknown to Pearl. Instead of keeping silent, as a behaved Puritan child would, Pearl spills out question after question in hopes of understanding something that is an enigma to her. While Pearl?

s natural curiosity drives her on the quest of discovering the truth behind the scarlet letter, it is her sensitive and intelligent nature which answers a few of the questions associated with the mystery. An example of this sensitive nature occurs after the custody battle in which Hester fights for the right to remain as the guardian of Pearl. Pearl? stole softly towards him, and taking his hand in the grasp of both her own, laid cheek against it (Hawthorne 106) This seems to be Pearl? s act of gratitude towards Reverend Author Dimmesdale. A reader might wonder why the short tempered child would behave in such a sweet way towards Dimmesdale.

Perhaps she notes her mother? s frantic voice and posture as Hester pleads with the men whose wish it is to take Pearl away and give her proper Christian upbringing. Pearl might also notice the softening of Hester? s face when Dimmesdale requests that the child remain with her mother. Without hearing a single word uttered, Pearl can easily see how Dimmesdale saves both her and her mother from a situation neither would enjoy. Thus, the loving gesture Pearl makes towards Dimmesdale is her silent way of saying Thank you for the gift of youth you have just given me.

Pearl? s characteristics of curiosity and sensitivity can readily allow a reader to make assumptions about whether Pearl understands what the scarlet letter symbolizes. While she is too young to comprehend Puritanical sin and punishment, Pearl can easily understand that the letter is the source of her mother? s chastisement and embarrassment. And, mother, he has his hand over his heart! Is it because, when the minister wrote his name in the book, the Black Man set his mark in that place?

But why does he not wear it outside his bosom, as thou dost, mother? (Hawthorne 172) Pearl? s questions lead a reader to realize that she does see a link between Hester? s letter and Dimmesdale? s habit of covering his heart with his hand, although she does not know what this connection is.

Pearl is an amazing child and perhaps one of the only many sided characters in the novel. Although some readers of this novel may not care to read between the lines and see beyond the labeling of demon, the true Pearl is completely different from this stereotype. The real Pearl, the inquisitive, intelligent, and beautiful creature she is, becomes the symbol for salvation in this novel. Pearl may be the product of sin and filthiness, yet she possesses traits that make her an amazing child. Indeed, Pearl is the rosebush which grows near the prison door: she is the one bright spot the prisoners of this novel see as they peer through the small windows of their confinement.


Free research essays on topics related to: hester , scarlet letter, hand over his heart, mother , pearl

Research essay sample on Hand Over His Heart Pearl

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