Thesis: In The Scarlet Letter Nathaniel Hawthorne uses natural imagery to characterize Pearl as having a mixture of both bad and good qualities.
Throughout the book, Pearl displays negative qualities, which the author can assume come from her mother’s influence. Pearl is described by may characters in the novel as innately devilish; Minister Dimmesdale describes her as: "There was witchcraft in little Pearl's eyes; and her face, as she glanced up at the minister, wore that naughty smile which made its expression frequently so elfish" (135). The words “witchcraft,” “naughty smile,” and “elfish” all show Pearl’s inner evil. The word “witchcraft” gives off a magical, witchy vibe which shows the nrgative supernatural spirit in Pearl. Pearl’s “naughty smile,” which is later described, shows that even in a gesture as happy and positive as a smile, she can still seem disobedient. Pearl is also described as looking like an elf, which emphasizes that although she is young, she mischievous, and that her mischief is almost inherent. Later in the novel Pearl makes herself an eelgrass A to match her …show more content…
The light lingered about the lonely child, as if glad of such a playmate, until her mother had drawn almost nigh enough to step into the magic... (160).
The words “catch the sunshine,” “brightened” and “vivacity” show that Pearl enjoys nature’s company and is brightened by it. All of these words give off a positive connotation, especially “vivacity” which means: “the quality of being lively and animated.” Pearl’s personality changes when she is in nature’s company; she is immediately happier and more energetic. The fact that Pearl reacts so strongly to nature and has an innate brightness shows that she is in fact has some goodness inside of
Throughout the book, Pearl displays negative qualities, which the author can assume come from her mother’s influence. Pearl is described by may characters in the novel as innately devilish; Minister Dimmesdale describes her as: "There was witchcraft in little Pearl's eyes; and her face, as she glanced up at the minister, wore that naughty smile which made its expression frequently so elfish" (135). The words “witchcraft,” “naughty smile,” and “elfish” all show Pearl’s inner evil. The word “witchcraft” gives off a magical, witchy vibe which shows the nrgative supernatural spirit in Pearl. Pearl’s “naughty smile,” which is later described, shows that even in a gesture as happy and positive as a smile, she can still seem disobedient. Pearl is also described as looking like an elf, which emphasizes that although she is young, she mischievous, and that her mischief is almost inherent. Later in the novel Pearl makes herself an eelgrass A to match her …show more content…
The light lingered about the lonely child, as if glad of such a playmate, until her mother had drawn almost nigh enough to step into the magic... (160).
The words “catch the sunshine,” “brightened” and “vivacity” show that Pearl enjoys nature’s company and is brightened by it. All of these words give off a positive connotation, especially “vivacity” which means: “the quality of being lively and animated.” Pearl’s personality changes when she is in nature’s company; she is immediately happier and more energetic. The fact that Pearl reacts so strongly to nature and has an innate brightness shows that she is in fact has some goodness inside of