What Comes to Mind When Picturing a Pearl?
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What comes to mind when picturing a pearl? In most cases, the word pearl brings to mind the beautiful, luminous gem fashioned by a certain sea creature. The pearl is known for its beauty and rarity, making it a treasure (for a hefty price) to behold. It would only be proper, then, if not a privelege, for any soul bearing the name of Pearl to adopt this gems striking characteristics. Such is the case when discussing Pearl, daughter of Hester Prynne in The Scarlet Letter. As we become witness to this childs growth and maturity, it becomes evident that Pearl bears this unique name rightfully so.
When Hesters young child is born, she welcomes into her life both sin and blessing. As Hawthorne described the birth of Pearl, “in giving her existence, a great law had been broken.” (Hawthorne, 79) Hester has committed
adultery when conceiving this child. Having been raised in a Puritan lifestyle, Hesters shame was insurmountable. Though the existence of this child was clearly Hesters punishment, the mother saw her daughter as a blessing as well. Hester chooses a name to fit Pearl, and Hawthorne explains her decision: “(Pearl was) purchased with all she had, her mothers only treasure!” (Hawthorne, 79). Also lending to the idea of religion dictating Hesters life, the Biblical significance of Pearls name can be found in the reference “the pearl of great price”, which referred to salvation. Pearl was seen as Hesters salvation from her horrible sin that, paradoxically, brought Pearl into existence.
Throughout Pearls childhood, it becomes more evident that Pearl is almost a symbolic embodiment of the precious gem. Throughout the novel, Pearl becomes closely associated with luminosity, a striking characteristic of the pearl. Different characters throughout the novel notice this recurring motif as well. Hester describes an instance in which she discovered Pearls strange ability: “it was as if she were hovering in the air and might vanish, like a glimmering light that comes we know not whence and goes we know not whither.” (Hawthorne, 82) Later on in the novel, Dimmsdale comes to recognize Pearls aura of luminosity as well: “as the minister had described her, like a bright-appareled vision in a sunbeam.” (Hawthorne, 186) In addition, Pearls name comes into play with the popular anecdote “a pearl of wisdom”. This phrase is usually used to describe an important fact that you should not forget. When taken literally, Pearl truly is of great wisdom for her age. She