According to Puritan beliefs, scripture prescribes death as punishment for the adulterer. The woman in question has brought shame upon the community and deserves to die. However, Nathaniel Hawthorne compares her to the Virgin Mary to show that Hester, despite her sin, is truly a good and holy person. The author elicits empathy from the reader for Hester, who is judged by those around her. Despite this, the reader sees her as a strong mother figure and can relate to her struggles.
In the second chapter of the novel, the narrator demonstrates another instance of the protagonist’s maternal emotions. Here, it is portrayed that Hester clutches her child to her chest so tightly that it causes the child to cry out. It showcases Pearl’s ability to sense and respond to Hester’s hidden emotions, as Hester conceals her true feelings from others. Throughout the course of the novel, this close bond between mother and daughter is explored further, with Pearl often mirroring Hester’s emotional state.
Chapter 3 of the novel portrays Hester’s public interrogation on the scaffold, where she is treated as a sinner or criminal. She is compelled to disclose her personal secrets in front of everyone, a treatment she deems unjust for women: “It were wronging the very nature of woman to force her to lay open heart’s secrets in broad daylight, and in the presence of so great a multitude.” Nonetheless, despite facing judgment, Hester overcomes challenges and exhibits her dignity to the community. She confidently wears the scarlet letter without any sense of shame. Furthermore, she engages in needlework as a means to support her child and serves as a virtuous role model for Pearl. Amidst their conflict—Pearl seeking revenge and Hester attempting to conceal her sin—Hester focuses solely on caring for Pearl.
Pearl becomes the focal point of her existence, residing in a petite dwelling and diligently toiling to support her offspring. Regardless of the opinions expressed by others, she genuinely exemplifies her dignity and accountability through single-handedly nurturing Pearl.
Another important aspect of motherhood in the novel is Hester’s focus on her daughter rather than her partner. While the story may present their love as unattainable, there are other elements that carry more significance. It is implied that Hester has affection for Damsel, but her true essence and emotions are not solely dictated by her love for a man. Throughout the novel, readers gain deeper understanding of Hester’s character and her connection with Pearl.
Hester strives to be the ideal mother for Pearl, despite her imperfections. Pearl embodies her mother’s strength and intelligence, employing these qualities to challenge those she encounters. This element in the book emphasizes its powerful feminist motifs.
