charlesbbaker
The Scarlet Reader
This post focuses on Hester and Pearl’s relationship in chapters 17-20, and attempts to relate it to DID
A Nun’s Gem
In chapters 13 – 16 I explored the idea that Pearl was a representation of Hester’s inability to move on. This idea has continued into chapter 19, where I noticed a very interesting idea emerge in my head. The way that Pearl and Hester interact seems very similar to Dissociative Identity Disorder(DID). DID is the current term used for multiple personality disorder. It is characterized by a person having a split where they perceive themselves separate from themselves. This doesn’t always mean a separate person, as I am suggesting, but can be as slight as feeling that one is not themselves. As the understanding of such illnesses was not present at the time Hawthorn wrote this story, I don’t believe that this interpretation was in any way intended, but I do think it is very interesting. (I know that suggesting Pearl is a figment of Hester’s imagination is asinine, but I think it is a cool way to look at it in these Isolated events).
Before Hester stood in front of the town on the stocks, she was considered a beautiful, independent, and proud woman, who was very in touch with her femininity. As Pearl has grown, Hester has mellowed down a significant amount and become almost tame. She no longer carries the same feminine flare that she once did, now seen as a nun like figure. After the incident, it is very noticeable that Hester has become reserved.
Pearl on the other hand is constantly compared to being eccentric and in touch with nature. She is constantly involved in scenes in the forest and alluded to as part of the natural world. Her name is also that of a Gemstone found in the shell of an Oyster. This makes Pearl seem like a character who is just now understanding the world, she is now trying to express the inner beauty that Hester has lost.
If I were to continue this analogy to DID, I would likely say the split occurred in the prison. As to deal with the traumatic events of what she has done with Dimmesdale, she pushed her innocence and freedom into the identity of Pearl. This would explain why Pearl would have no knowledge of why Dimmesdale clutches his chest, because that is the reason Hester split form Pearl, as Pearl is the untampered sole Hester has separated from herself.
This would also explain why Hester seems unable to let go of what she has done. If Hester could move on this would destroy Pearl, as it would undermine her creation. This would explain Pearls convulsions as Hester took off the “A.” Without the “A” Pearl would have no meaning and become pointless and may dissipate from Hester entirely.
I just want to reiterate that I don’t think this is what’s happening, and I know there are a lot of holes in the idea, but I just think this is a cool way to look at it.
The Scarlet Reader 