The Scarlet Letter blog #3

Quote 1:
"It is probable that there was an idea of penance in this mode of occupation, and that she offered up a real sacrifice of enjoyment, in devoting so many hours to such rude handiwork" (Hawthorne 77)

Analysis 1:
The embroidery upon Pyrnne's chest has penetrated deep into her soul. The style of punishment in which has been cast upon Prynee has worked ideally. Not only is she feeling the shame that she ought to, but her reflection on her shame has also driven her to committing good works. Also, Pyrnne has accepted her fate as a sinner. She does not try to hide her embroidery, but rather she openly presents it knowing that a pang of shame with be following closely behind. Chillingworth ought to use this towards his advantage. He should try to convince her that only way that she can truly be absolved from her sin and escape its shame would be to reveal her lover.

Quote 2:
"Pearl was a born outcast of the infantile world. An imp of evil, emblem and product of sin, she had no right among christened infants" (Hawthorne 85).

Analysis 2:
Pearl's story bears a strong resemblance towards the story of Adam and Eve. Adam and Eve were initially pure, as they were the first to be created in God's image and likeness. In the same way, Prynne was the innocent and most beautiful girl in her town and Dimmesdale was quite the Renaissance man and an ideal pastor. When Adam and Eve sin they lose God's good favor and are removed from the Garden of Eden, giving all of humanity original sin. Prynne and Pearl have been made outcasts in their society and Pearl has received her original sin from the follies of Dimmesdale and Prynne.