The members of the Puritan society view Pearl as a weird, strange little girl, born from a sinful act. However, the characters with a closer, more in depth relationship to the child, feel differently towards Pearl. "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" (186). Hester describes her unbalanced feelings and emotions to Dimmesdale. This statement shows that although Pearl's quirks and oddities cause her to become "strange" in the eyes of others, they form into a love from Hester. This relationship between Hester and Pearl is important because both are ostracized for their irregularities and for the sin and shame of Hester. Dimmesdale respond

s to Hester's statement with, "I have long shrunk from children, because they often show distrust- a backwardness to be familiar with me. I have even been afraid of little Pearl!" (186). As Dimmesdale has been trying to find peace with himself because of his sin, he has also been attempting to develop a relationship with Pearl. However, this is impossible because he is unable to acknowledge Pearl in public. Because Pearl continuously demands public recognition, Dimmesdale grows a fear towards her. Therefore, it is understood that Pearl does not accept him as a father or loved one until he acknowledges her on Election Day. Hester, again, describes her relationship with Pearl while attempting to convince the Governor to allow her to maintain Pearl's mother. "She is my happiness! She is my torture, none the less Pearl keeps me here in life! Pearl punishes me too!" (104). This quote examines the importance of Pearl in Hester's life. She allows Hester to feel happiness, as well as serves as a constant reminder and punishment of the sin that Hester has committed.

Pearl is involved in an extremely perplexing and elaborate history and background. Pearl's mother, Hester, was punished for adultery; therefore Pearl was the result of her sin. Pearl, being Hester's child as a result is involved in Hester's history as well. Pearl is brought up with only a mother, whom is ostracized from society as well. She does not know who her father is and Hester will answer none of her questions about her past. Because of her nonexistent history she naturally becomes a very curious child. She desires to know what Hester will not tell her. She is also viewed as different from the rest of the com

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