"But it is not recorded that, in a single instance, her skill was called in aid to embroider the white veil which was to cover the pure blushes of a bride. The exception indicated the ever-relentless rigor with which society frowned upon her sin." (76)
Despite Hester’s beautiful handiwork, she was still hated by society and regarded as an outcast. Given the option to leave, Hester chose to stay, partly because her work “became what would now be termed the fashion” (76). The unique gift of needlework allowed her to support her daughter and herself. Everyone from the Governor to the little children wore her craftwork. That is everyone, except for brides. Brides were to be a symbol of purity and innocence, exactly what Hester was not. Not being able to embroider a bride’s veil was a result of Hester’s sin. Even the things that brought her pleasure, such as needlework, reminded her of her big mistake. If every aspect of her life revolved around the sin she committed, she would never be completely free from it.
"In giving her existence, a great law had been broken; and as the result was a being whose elements were perhaps beautiful and brilliant, but all in disorder; or with peculiar to themselves, amidst which the point of variety and arrangement was difficult or impossible to be discovered.” (83)
To Hester, Pearl was a blessing in disguise. Even though she was the result of a terrible sin, she was a gift from God. Pearl was the reason for Hester’s isolation, but she served as a reminder that there was some good among mostly evil. Pearl was, “her mother’s only treasure” (81) and brought her so much joy. Even though both Hester and Pearl were isolated and disliked by the townspeople, they had each other. Just like a pearl, Hester’s daughter was unique. Pearl’s special personality had the ability to change the way her mother viewed life.
Questions:
If everyone hated Hester so much, why did they want to wear something created by her?
Will the townspeople ever forgive Hester or Pearl, who did nothing wrong?
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