An Analysis of
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THE CHILD AT THE BROOK-SIDE
An Analysis of Chapter 19
Tone
Introspective, Tender, And Somber With Underlying Tension.
Basic Stats
| Intensity | Clarity | Conflict | Resolution | Pacing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exciting - (3) | Crystal-clear - (5) | Hostile - (4) | A little - (2) | Moderate - (3) |
Basically...
Hester Prynne and Arthur Dimmesdale observe their daughter Pearl playing, discussing her beauty, parentage, and odd behavior. Hester reattaches the scarlet letter after Pearl demands it, signifying Hester's acceptance of her identity.
In more detail...
In this chapter, Hester Prynne and Arthur Dimmesdale sit together, watching Pearl and discussing her behavior and beauty. Hester notes Pearl's resemblance to Dimmesdale, which he is initially afraid has been noticed by others. They both revel in her beauty and uniqueness, thinking about their connected destinies reflected in her. Pearl, displaying a complex interplay of emotion and distance, refuses to come to them until Hester dons the scarlet letter again, indicating a deep familiarity with Hester's branded identity. Once the letter is back in place, Pearl warmly reunites with her mother. The chapter ends with Dimmesdale's unsuccessful attempt to win Pearl's affection and her strong reaction to his kiss.
Characters
- Hester Prynne
- About - In this chapter, Hester converses with Dimmesdale about their daughter, expressing hope for the future and revealing a deep love for Pearl. She struggles with Pearl's behavior but successfully reaffirms her connection with her by donning the scarlet letter.
- Personality Traits - Tender, loving, introspective, and hopeful.
- Physical Characteristics - Motherly, with a beauty that temporarily fades as she reattaches the scarlet letter.
- Character Connections
- Arthur Dimmesdale - Her secret lover and Pearl's father, with whom she shares a complex relationship.
- Pearl - Her daughter, who is deeply connected to her and to whom she visibly demonstrates her love.
- Arthur Dimmesdale
- About - Dimmesdale watches and discusses Pearl with Hester, revealing his inner turmoil and dread over their shared secret. He tries and fails to connect with Pearl, illustrating his estrangement from her.
- Personality Traits - Sensitive, apprehensive, and longing for connection.
- Physical Characteristics - Unquiet, appears anxious and emotionally intense.
- Character Connections
- Hester Prynne - His secret lover and ally in facing the consequences of their shared past.
- Pearl - His daughter, who he yearns to connect with but who remains distant from him.
- Pearl
- About - Pearl engages in a mixture of affectionate and defiant behavior toward Hester and Dimmesdale, highlighting her complex personality and deep bond with Hester. She insists on Hester wearing the scarlet letter before fully acknowledging her mother.
- Personality Traits - Enigmatic, capricious, willful, and affectionate on her own terms.
- Physical Characteristics - Described with wild-flowers in her hair, bright and wild eyes, resembling a fairy or elf.
- Character Connections
- Hester Prynne - Her mother, with whom she has a strong, albeit complicated, bond.
- Arthur Dimmesdale - Her father, whom she distrusts and rejects physical affection from in this chapter.