Scarlet Letter Rhetorical Analysis
This passage explains how Pearl represents the innocence in one’s passion or love for another. Her stark contrast from other children catches the attention of both her parents, Hester and Dimmesdale. Pearl serves as a result of their lust for each other. Hawthorne further explains this concept by comparing Pearl to a “messenger of anguish.” Hawthorne uses this metaphor show that once Dimmesdale dies, the lustful connection between Hester and the pastor breaks apart. Pearl loses her wild character and ceases to be defiant of the world, displaying her new capability of feeling sorrow.
Hawthorne describes the connection between Chillingworth and Dimmesdale. The physician knows that Hester deserted him in order to marry a man more strong and handsome
than himself. Chillingworth focuses all his energy toward torturing Dimmesdale and avenging himself. He leeches out the vitality from Dimmesdale and becomes more energetic due to his intense desire for retribution. Once Dimmesdale dies, Chillingworth loses the source of his liveliness. Hawthorne expresses this in a metaphor. He compares Chillingworth to an “uprooted weed,” describing how his former vigor diminished.
Hawthorne describes the connection between Chillingworth and Dimmesdale. The physician knows that Hester deserted him in order to marry a man more strong and handsome
than himself. Chillingworth focuses all his energy toward torturing Dimmesdale and avenging himself. He leeches out the vitality from Dimmesdale and becomes more energetic due to his intense desire for retribution. Once Dimmesdale dies, Chillingworth loses the source of his liveliness. Hawthorne expresses this in a metaphor. He compares Chillingworth to an “uprooted weed,” describing how his former vigor diminished.