During the procession, Hester stands on the scaffold in the marketplace with her daughter Pearl. During Dimmesdale's sermon in the church, she stands in the back of the congregation, unseen by the rest of the town.
Governor Winthrop
Yes, Hester is glad to have Pearl as her daughter. Pearl brings Hester comfort and joy despite the challenges they face in society. Pearl also represents a symbol of Hester's love and redemption.
Hester feels responsible for Dimmesdale's poor condition because she believes her decision to keep his identity as Pearl's father a secret contributed to his suffering. She believes that had she revealed the truth earlier, Dimmesdale may have found relief from his guilt and despair sooner. Hester bears the burden of their shared secret and feels responsible for the consequences that Dimmesdale endures.
The fact that Hester would constantly remind Pearl of the consequences of sin is what convinced the governor to let Hester keep Pearl. Hester supported herself and Pearl by sewing garments.
Pearl was the representation of Hester's affair with that priest man. Pearl was a "devilish" child and so represented the Evil that Hester had committed. She was Hester's true "Scarlet letter". Pearl was young, outgoing, and carefree while her mother was the complete oposite.
Hester was worried about Pearl's personality, because she is alot like Hester was when she was a child. She didn't want Pearl to turn out like she did, and be a wild person.
because there is a hint of plums in the kiss and she is allergic to plums
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.
Hester evades Pearl's questions about the "black man," refusing to confirm or deny if she has met him. Hester's responses to Pearl are ambiguous, as she tries to protect her daughter from the truth about her involvement with the mysterious figure.
After Pearl gets married she does die of a 'natural death'. Meaning, she dies at an old age.
If Pearl had been taken away from Hester in "The Scarlet Letter," it would have compounded Hester's isolation and loneliness. Pearl is not only Hester's daughter but also her source of love and connection to the world. Losing Pearl would have intensified Hester's feelings of guilt and shame, making her punishment even more severe.