The Scarlet Letter The Scarlet Letter Chapter 6 Chapter 6

PresentationPresentation

Chapter 6 CharactersChapter 6 Characters

Pearl – We are finally introduced to a Pearl – We are finally introduced to a full depiction of Pearl. We learn so full depiction of Pearl. We learn so much about her character that much about her character that connects her to Hester and the way connects her to Hester and the way society views her. society views her.

Chapter 6 Chapter 6 PearlPearl - Summary - Summary As we read in chapter 5, Hester is very alone. Her As we read in chapter 5, Hester is very alone. Her

only joy in life is Pearl. This chapter goes into great only joy in life is Pearl. This chapter goes into great detail describing her. detail describing her.

Why did Hester name her Pearl? “purchased with Why did Hester name her Pearl? “purchased with all [Hester] had – her mother’s onlt treasure!” all [Hester] had – her mother’s onlt treasure!”

Mother like Daughter – the reader is shown that Mother like Daughter – the reader is shown that Pearl has all the same characteristics as Hester: Pearl has all the same characteristics as Hester: moody, passionate, and defiant. moody, passionate, and defiant.

Pearl is seen by the community has a product of Pearl is seen by the community has a product of sin sin

Pearl is very aware of her difference from othersPearl is very aware of her difference from others Hester still tries to teach Pearl about God – Pearl Hester still tries to teach Pearl about God – Pearl

rejectsrejects How Pearl is treated by others?How Pearl is treated by others? Fascinated by the scarlet letterFascinated by the scarlet letter ““Child, what art thou?” Child, what art thou?”

– Pearl’s response at 3 years old would cause Pearl’s response at 3 years old would cause any mother to think what Hester thinks about any mother to think what Hester thinks about her…her…

Chapter 6 - AnalysisChapter 6 - Analysis Pearl is a consistent reminder of the life Hester has Pearl is a consistent reminder of the life Hester has

chosenchosen Both shame and treasureBoth shame and treasure Because Pearl is an outcast, Hester is reminded of Because Pearl is an outcast, Hester is reminded of

hershers However, Pearl is also a sign that from sin comes However, Pearl is also a sign that from sin comes

what? what? Pearl and her fascination with the letter – fitting Pearl and her fascination with the letter – fitting

because society view the two the samebecause society view the two the same The true feelings of the Puritans are revealed in the The true feelings of the Puritans are revealed in the

children’s play.children’s play. The change from Puritan to “romance” – the forest The change from Puritan to “romance” – the forest

and Pearl and Pearl

Chapter 6 – Quotations Chapter 6 – Quotations

““God, as a direct consequence of the God, as a direct consequence of the sin which man thus punished, had sin which man thus punished, had given her a lovely child, whose place given her a lovely child, whose place was on the same dishonored bosom, to was on the same dishonored bosom, to connect her parent forever with the connect her parent forever with the race and descent of mortals…” (92) race and descent of mortals…” (92)

Hester is surprised by the fact that Hester is surprised by the fact that while man has punished her sin – God while man has punished her sin – God has blessed her with the gift of Pearlhas blessed her with the gift of Pearl

Chapter 6 - QuotationsChapter 6 - Quotations

““He did not send me!” cried she, He did not send me!” cried she, positively. “I have no Heavenly positively. “I have no Heavenly Father!” Father!”

Pearl has begun to reject the idea of Pearl has begun to reject the idea of God. She has adapted this notion by God. She has adapted this notion by the way the townspeople and the way the townspeople and children have treated her and her children have treated her and her mother. mother.

2 Themes 2 Themes

Hester’s sin and treasureHester’s sin and treasure Pearl vs. the Puritans Pearl vs. the Puritans

Questions Questions

1) What does Pearl seem to want to 1) What does Pearl seem to want to know from her mother? What would know from her mother? What would any child want to know if they were any child want to know if they were Pearl? Pearl?

2) What is the purpose of the children 2) What is the purpose of the children playing? What would they represent?playing? What would they represent?