There is a lot
that goes on inof . Rather than a slow and decelerating , we get everything
from disclosures, to scandal, to coming of age, to justice served, to justice denied. This is
what is so awesome about this novel: the best is definitely left for last.
The disclosure, of course, comes from , who finally exposes the letter that he has
carved in his chest, which is the symbol of the guilt and self-punishment that he has suffered
as a result of his affair withand, most importantly, the fact that he has fatheredin
secret.
Having carried this burden like albatross for so many years has left
its dent in Dimmesdale physically, mentally, and emotionally. The man is nothing but a figment
of what he once was, now all wasted away and ill. This is the price of sin and guilt in one
who is himself a leader in his religious community.
When this scandal occurs
at the scaffold, Pearl feels sorry for Dimmesdale and proceeds to kiss him out of mercy.
However, there is yet another dimension to this act:
A
spell was broken. The great scene of grief, in which the wild infant bore a part, had developed
all her sympathies; and as her tears fell upon her father's cheek, they were the pledge that she
would grow up amid human joy and sorrow, nor for ever do battle with the world, but be a woman
in it.
There is a need for this to happen. It completes
the circle, redeems the , and also liberates them. Pearl's role as an "imp",
"elf" and punisher of her mother's deeds is now over.
Towards her mother, too, Pearl's errand as a messenger of anguish was all
fulfilled.
She is no longer a "preternatural
creature" born out of evil actions. She has been recognized, she has now forgiven and she
is now a woman and not "Pearl the child". She kisses Dimmesdale because she has
outgrown the anger and secrets of the past. It is all behind her now.
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