Scarlet Letter #9

"Children will not abide by any, the slightest, change in the accustomed aspect of things that are daily before their eyes. Pearl misses something which she has always seen me wear" (189)

To the town, the "A" was the glaring symbol of Hester's crime, and it alienated her from society. However, Pearl is the true punishment and symbol of Hester's crime. If Hester is truly supposed to be branded with this sin for the rest of her life, the life of a child is even more of a burden than a letter on her chest. At first, Pearl was told to be a reward to Hester, but she has been the complete opposite. Besides the fact that Hester is reminded of her sin just by looking at Pearl, now that Pearl has grown, she constantly reminds her of what she has done. Just when Hester has moved on from her past, Pearl prevents her from forgetting it.

"But,at that instant, she behold old Roger Chillingworth... smiling on her; a smile which... conveyed secret and fearful meaning" (210-211)

No matter how devilish and psychotic Chillingworth may be, I must give him credit. He has set out to take down Hester's lover, and he will not be stopped. He just keeps popping up everywhere and I must admit he is good at this. By now, there is no doubting Chillingworth's desire for revenge. A less passionate person would stop here and be satisfied with their work, but Chillingworth will not let it go and must follow them all the way to England. This also proves how crazy Chillingworth has become because of the great lengths he is going to in order to get his revenge. This story has turned from being more of a drama, with the cheating wife and angry husband, to a horror, with the family starting to start anew, but a crazed stalker keeps harassing them until a cilmactic finish takes place.