Hester replies that Pearl's own mother can teach her what she needs to know about those truths, indicating that their bond and relationship is what will guide Pearl's understanding. Hester suggests that their shared experiences and lessons learned together will be the foundation for Pearl's understanding of heaven and earth.
Chillingworth believes that Pearl should be taken away from Hester because he sees her as a constant reminder of Hester's sin and wants to further punish Hester through separating her from her daughter. Chillingworth is more concerned with his own revenge and control over Hester than he is with what is best for Pearl.
Chillingworth took the side of advocating for Pearl to be taken away from Hester, believing it would be a way to extract revenge on both Hester and Dimmesdale for their affair and betrayal. He saw this as a way to inflict maximum suffering on Hester.
Chillingworth asks Hester to promise not to reveal his true identity as her husband to anyone. He does this because he wants to secretly seek revenge on Dimmesdale without anyone knowing his true intentions and relationship to Hester.
Hester ultimately decides that her promise to Chillingworth was a mistake and realizes that keeping it has caused more harm than good. She feels guilty for allowing Chillingworth to manipulate her and sees that her loyalty should be to her own moral compass rather than to a promise made under duress. She resolves to break free from Chillingworth's control and live her life authentically.
Hawthorne's use of the archetypal "fallen woman" reveals his belief in the complexity of human nature. Through characters like Hester Prynne in "The Scarlet Letter," he explores the themes of sin, redemption, and forgiveness, suggesting that even those who have erred can find a path to salvation and self-realization. Hawthorne's portrayal of the "fallen woman" shows his empathy for individuals striving to find their place in a judgmental society, ultimately emphasizing the capacity for growth and transformation in human nature.
Hester goes to return some gloves, and to find out if there is any truth to the rumors that Pearl, now three, may be taken from her.
Hester went to Governor Bellingham's home in Chapter 7 to deliver a pair of gloves she had made for him. She wanted to fulfill a request made by Mistress Hibbins, who had suggested Hester might earn favor by gifting the gloves as a way to secure her position in the community.
1. to deliver gloves. 2. to plead her case.
She wanted to deliver a pair of gloves and ask whether or not Pearl will be taken from her.
Hester and Pearl had been visiting Governor Bellingham's house, where they were discussing Pearl being taken away from Hester. On their way home, they stop at the scaffold where Hester was punished.
Because they were going to take Pearl away because the citizens thought it was their Christian duty to try to save Pearl from Hester's sin.
Hester Prynne's daughter, Pearl, threw water on Governor Bellingham. Pearl was known for her mischievous and impulsive behavior, often acting out against authority figures like the governor.
They want Hester to reveal Pearl's father.
Governor Bellingham and Reverend Wilson want Hester Prynne to reveal the identity of the father of her child. They seek to shame and punish her for her sin of adultery by enforcing the strict moral codes of Puritan society.
Hester visits the governor's mansion to deliver a pair of gloves she embroidered for him and to discuss the possibility of keeping custody of her daughter, Pearl. She hopes the gloves will soften the governor's stance on her custody case.
Dimmesdale convinces him that Hester and Pearl need each other to achieve salvation.
Mr. Wilson and Governor Bellingham assume that Pearl's refusal to answer their question means she cannot testify to Hester's suitability as a parent. The narrator suggests that Pearl deliberately chooses not to answer out of a mix of loyalty to her mother and a deeper understanding of the situation beyond her years.