Scarlet Letter

I'm going to write about how Pearl is the individual that conflicts with society, and will succeed Hester as the "angel and apostle of the coming revelation." By following Pearl throughout the book, I will use Pearl's rebelliousness to show the point she doesn't conform to society. The chapter "Pearl", which describes her wildness, is where I plan to start. The scene at the governor's house where Pearl says she came from the rose bush and also puts her hand on Dimmesdale's cheek, the part when Dimmesdale and Chillinworth see Pearl out the window dancing on tombstones, the forest chapter where Pearl refuses to come to Dimmesdale, the end of the book when Pearl kisses Dimmesdale, and Chillingworth leaving his inheritance to Pearl are all scenes demonstrating Pearl's role in the book. An important quote is the dialogue between Chilingworth and Dimmesdale on page 263. Chillingworth asks, "What in Heaven's name, is she? Is the imp altogether evil? Hath she affections? Hath she any discoverable principle of being?" Dimmesdale responds, "None-save the freedom of a broken law." Pearl doesn't obey soceity or its laws. She is strong willed and independent, and absolutely fit the description on page 527, "lofty, pure, and beautiful; and wise, moreover, not through dusky grief, but the ethereal medium of joy; and showing how sacred love should make us happy, by the truest test of a life successful to such an end!" From the end of the book we know Pearl has a happy successful life, she is married and has children. Pearl was intelligent and beautiful, and she did live in joy from all the scenes we saw of her. Therefore we know Pearl will be the leader of the new revelation. She embodies Hester's thoughts about transforming society in her very actions. Her role in the book is central to the theme of society verses the individual.