"Pearl, that wild and flighty little elf stole softly towards him, and taking his hand in the grasp of both her own, laid her cheek against it; a caress so tender, and withal so unobtrusive, that her mother, who was looking on, asked herself―"Is that my Pearl?"
Passage taken from The Scarlet Letter, Chapter 8
Pearl and her mother are at the home of Governor Bellingham and are accompanied by Mr. Chillingworth and Rev. Dimmesdale. The governor is attempting to persuade Hester that Pearl would be better off being raised by someone with a more wholesome lifestyle, in order for her to have the ability to fit into Puritan society. They feel that Hester is a poor example and is restricting her from the normal life of a child. Dimmesdale sides with Hester and explains that God brought Pearl to Hester to be both her sunshine and rain. He understands that Pearl is all Hester has and the thing held closest to her heart. Dimmesdale believes that Hester has the capabilities to be a decent mother to a child that is her joy yet can bring her great sorrow. Pearl is in some ways another one of Hester's consequences because no matter what, Pearl is a consistent reminder of her downfall. After Dimmesdale expressed his opinion, it was agreed that Pearl would remain in the custody of her mother. Pearl then has an interaction with Dimmesdale that expresses the love and maybe even passion that resides in her heart. Hester has never witnessed such gentleness come from her child. Pearl seems to have some kind of instinctive knowledge that Dimmesdale is in some way connected to her. This passage signifies the first meeting between Pearl and her father and the love contrary to her angry nature that Pearl evokes.
1. What significance does Hester's conversation with Mistress Hibbins at the end of chapter 8 have?
2. How is the relationship between Dimmesdale and Chillingworth best described?
3. What is the reason the townspeople believe Chillingworth is helping Dimmesdale versus the real reason?
