English III

[Junior in High School]

I disagree with your opinion that Pearl has another side that is mean and cruel. She is simply a happy, freespirited kid who likes to have fun, but she sticks out from the well behaved other children. She is said to be possessed because of her happiness. What's wrong with being happy.<br> When Hester is isolated, Hawthorne is trying to make a point that some people, like Dimmsdale, are ruined by their guilt, but others like Hester make the best of their situations. He is saying that despite everything in life, people can overcome their problems. I personally loved the book.

[elana]

I am fascinated with The Scarlet Letter. I think that all of the characters are disturbed. Dimmesdale of course has crossed over the edge and is not only neurotic but psychotic. Chillingworth has become obsessed with Dimmesdale and is starting to look and act like the devil. Little Pearl--so beautiful on the outside__has another side that is mean and cruel. Hester has been alienated for so long that she is not really a part of anything. All of the characters seem obsessed, guilt ridden, alienated, miserable, and without any hope.