A Brief Glimpse into Adam's thoughts on Chapters 19-21

In chapter 19, Hawthorne is able to use the symbols of light and mirrors again. Pearl’s beauty is stressed, and this is all magnified by the golden lights shining on her and her reflection in the brook. It is also very interesting that Pearl refuses to come to her mother when Hester is not wearing the scarlet letter. Pearl grew up knowing the letter, and in fact, Pearl is the letter. I think that Pearl is smarter than we give her credit for, because she points out how peculiar it is that Dimmesdale will only speak with them at night or in the cover of the woods. Pearl also has strong feelings against Dimmesdale which is shown by her washing the kiss off of her forehead. Perhaps she is angered at Dimmesdale for not declaring his sin openly. Speaking of Dimmesdale, he has some more emotional changes. He is severely tempted by sin, and yet barely manages to overcome. I especially liked that passage on page 220 that explained how two men can come so close to talking about a topic that they both dread, and yet still avoid it. I see this happening in everyday life, and now that I think about it, it is pretty peculiar. A strong symbol in chapter 21 occurs on page 223 in how Pearl is dressed. I also enjoyed reading about how Pearl in her actions was reflecting her mother’s hidden emotions. The nautical men were a welcome break from the strict Puritanism, and I find them fascinating. Lastly, I can’t wait to see how the escape to England plays out. Chillingworth seems genuinely evil, and I anticipate a fierce struggle between Hester and him over Dimmesdale. Another important event is Pearl choosing whether or not to cross the brook. She must decide whether to remain in the pureness of wild nature, or to come to her mother, a social outcast, and Dimmesdale, who is still full of guilt. In essence, I see this as a choice between choosing to refuse to conform to society versus accepting society's rules.