The Scarlet Letter 24

The Scarlet Letter

Chapter Fifteen

Entry Twenty-Four


Hester's relationship to Pearl suddenly changes when she realizes that Pearl is not

"a design of justice and retribution"

but rather

" (has a) purpose of mercy and beneficence."

Pearl is not only there to remind Hester of her sin and to make sure she never forgets it, but also as a sign of hope that there will be better times if she keeps on going on, and that forgiveness still exists. She has a helping function. She can help her mother out of her miserable situation (for instance, she insists on Dimmesdale proving his love to them publicly -> she knows that this is the way to go if Dimmesdale and Hester want to be happy - together or not); she is like a light shining at the end of a long and dark tunnel.
This refers back to Chillingworth. He is the black light leading into the tunnel, surrounding its inner parts and sticking around until you come to the end of it. And then you see Pearl, a ray of light lighting up the evil gloom. It guides you safely to the tunnel's end and makes sure you are not swallowed up by the darkness.

For a brief moment, Hester Prynne thinks about telling Pearl everything. That would make Pearl a friend and sort of confederate at the same time. But to protect her she decided against doing so.
I think, with this decision she shows real motherly love. It probably is the first real showing of affection towards Pearl. Although it would help Hester dealing with her soul's pain she rather protects her daughter from being pulled into the difficulty of living an adult's life. Especially in the Puritan society.