Chapter Eighteen
Entry Forty-Eight
"Hester looked at him with the thrill of another joy. “Thou must know Pearl!” said she. “Our little Pearl! Thou hast seen her,—yes, I know it!—but thou wilt see her now with other eyes. She is a strange child! I hardly comprehend her! But thou wilt love her dearly, as I do, and wilt advise me how to deal with her."Now that sunshine came back into Hester and Arthur's life Pearl comes back into their minds. Hester suggests Dimmesdale to meet their daughter (Now she call her "OUR little Pearl"). She introduces her as strange but lovely and says he will tell Hester how to deal with her. What does she mean with this sentence? Is Pearl the only part in Hester's life in which she is not strong enough to stand it on her own? Is Hester overchallenged with Pearl because she can't control or shut her down like she can do it with hateful comments of the Boston society? It is easy to deny the Puritans but she can't block out her own daughter since she is made of her own flesh and blood. But Arthur Dimmesdale thinks he is not the right person to help her with Pearl. Nevertheless, Hester assures him she daughter will love him.
Could it also be that by allowing Arthur the chance to "advise" her she is officially giving him a duty as father and husband. She is releasing power to him (or empowering him). It could be looked at as a touching bond, and reinforcing Hester's strength.
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