t is important for one to understand these references are an attempt on Hawthornes part to display to the reader a fragment of Puritanical society. By no means is Pearl a mischievous child. She is a curious child.When Hester refuses to reveal to Pearl the identity of her father, Pearls burning curiosity quickly ignites and forces her to scream out the following demand. "Tell me! Tell me! It is thou that must tell me!" (Hawthorne 90) This is not the only time Pearls curiosity is sparked throughout the novel. In fact, there are many times where Pearl becomes inquisitive over one mystery or another; this next example is one of them. "Why, what is this, mother? Wherefore have all the people left their work today? Is it a play-day for the whole world?" (Hawthorne 208) In this situation, Pearl is overwhelmed by curiosity, as the entire population of Boston is decked in their finery for a reason that is unknown to Pearl. Instead of "keeping silent", as a behaved Puritan child would, Pearl spills out question after question in hopes of understanding something that is an enigma to her.While Pearls natural curiosity drives her on the quest of discovering the truth behind the scarlet letter, it is her sensitive and intelligent nature which answers a few of the questions associated with the mystery. An example of this sensitive nature occurs after the custody battle in which Hester fights for the right to remain as the guardian of Pearl. "Pearl stole softly towards him, and taking his hand in the grasp of both her own, laid cheek against it" (Hawthorne 106) This seems to be Pearls act of gratitude towards Reverend Author Dimmesdale. A reader might wonder why the short tempered child would behave in such a sweet way towards Dimmesdale. Perhaps she notes her mothers frantic voice and posture as Hester pleads with the men whose wish it is to take Pearl away and give her "proper Christian upbringing. "Pearl might also notice the softening of Hesters fa...
