Chapter 8

I find this chapter to be very significant to the story. Pearl is considered to be a 'demon child,' because of her lack of religious knowledge and teachings. Bellingham asks Pearl several religious questions to test her knowledge, however, Pearl responds in disgust and dislike. This does'nt please Governor Bellingham, Chillingsworth and Wilson, and they find it necessary to take Pearl away from Hester for 'Hester's sake.' Apalled, Hester turns to Dimmesdale for help, begging him to tell the men to allow her to keep her child. Dimmesdale says that 'God sent Pearl as a gift and a curse,' and the men agree to not separate mother and daughter. Hester is incredibly thankful to Dimmesdale for this act and places his hand on her cheek. I think this is significant, because once again Dimmesdale and Hester are reunited, however, this time in front of Chillingsworth.