The Scarlet Letter 8

"The sunshine does not love you. It runs away and hides itself, because it is afraid of something on your bosom"(165).

I like to believe that Pearl represents something more to Hester and society than a reminder of Hesters sin and a symbol of her wrongdoing, as well as a troubled child. I think that she represents sin seperate from Hester. Although she is only a child and has not trully sinned, throughout the novel Pearl has exhibited very strange and violent behavior, some of which could be seen as sinful or morally wrong. Pearl and Hester represent both the same and two different sins or bad actions, however, in this scene, Pearl seems to be more accepted by nature and society. As she attempts to explain to her mother, the "light" welcomes her but fears Hester. This reflects the mood of the two characters as well as illudes to something that could potentially happen towards the end of the novel, Pearls acceptance and Hesters/Dimmesdales fall.

"The minister, on the other hand, had never gone through an experience calculated to lead him beyond the scope of generally recieved laws; although, in a single instance, he had so fearfully transgressed one of the most sacred of them"(180).

This quotation brings attention to the two major laws in society. Laws regarding religion and nature, and those regarding the legal system and government. By fleeing the Puritain society which is idealistically full of limitations, Hester and Dimmesdale are breaking laws regarding the legal system and government. However, in doing to, Dimmesdale would be able to adopt a new life and preach/inspire more people. Also, by staying and attempting to cover up their sins, Hester and Dimmesdale are breaking laws regarding God and nature because staying could lead to corruption of the people in the society. There are two conflicting laws in this novel which can not coexist, like many other things in the novel.