Pearl's Big Question

One of the most important statements contained in The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, was a statement made Pearl, Hester Prynne’s daughter. It is quoted, “’Mother,’ said she, ‘what does the scarlet letter mean?’” This is the first time in the story that Pearl actually questions her mother about the scarlet letter embroidered on her bosom. Many times before, when Pearl was much younger, she would stare at the scarlet letter in awe and wonder. At infancy, she obviously could not talk so no words would come for her to ask her mother. Instead, she constantly gazed upon the letter with a look that asked the question for her. Fortunately for Hester, she didn’t have to answer Pearl when no direct question was asked.

When Pearl was old enough, she finally asked her mom what the letter meant that she had marveled at upon her mother for all of her life. Hester was reluctant to answer and never actually gave Pearl a clear meaning of what the Letter represents. This question that Pearl asked was most likely a question dreaded by her mother for many years. Hester had to have known that Pearl would one day ask about the letter and have to be faced with the purpose and proof of her own existence. This quote is almost like the foundation of the whole story. Hester knew exactly what the letter meant because it haunted her day after day with regret and shame. If Pearl were to find out what the letter actually represented, it could possibly wreck her whole life. At this point in the story, Pearl doesn’t know that she is a child of the most disgusting sin. If Hester comes to the point where she has no other choice but to tell Pearl the true meaning of the Letter, Pearl could be changed forever; she could end up having hatred toward her mother and never speaking to her again. Hester was aware of what the outcome could be if Pearl found out the true meaning of the scarlet letter and she feared that very outcome. If Hester lost Pearl, she would have no one.