Question

1. assess the significance of the following passage. (it functions on two levels of meaning, literal and symbolic.) \pearls aspect was imbued with a spell of infinite variety; in this one child there were many children, comprehending the full scope between the wild - flower prettiness of a peasant baby, and the pomp, in little, of an infant princess.\ (87) 6. examine hesters attempts to \discipline\ pearl. how do her disciplinary methods compare with those of the typical puritan family? (88) 7. how do puritan children \disport themselves\ - that is, how do they play? (90) 8. describe pearls relationship with other children in the community? (90 - 91) 9. how does pearl \disport herself\ - how does she play? (92) 10. according to hesters (somewhat hesitant) response to her daughters question, who has \sent\ pearl hither? according to the talk of the neighboring townspeople, who has \sent\ pearl? (95) which view would hawthorne agree with?

Explanation:

These questions pertain to the analysis of characters and their relationships, as well as symbolic meanings, in Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel "The Scarlet Letter". They require literary - analysis skills to understand the text's nuances, character dynamics, and thematic elements.

Answer:

1. Hester's attempts to discipline Pearl show her struggle to impose societal norms on a free - spirited child. Pearl's nature resists strict discipline, highlighting the conflict between nature and nurture.
2. Puritan children are more subdued and conformist in their play, while Pearl is wild and free - spirited. Her play reflects her unique upbringing and non - conformist nature.
3. Pearl's relationship with other children is strained as she is seen as an outcast due to her mother's sin. She either dominates or is ostracized in play, showing her isolation.
4. Pearl "disports herself" in a lively, often mischievous way, using her imagination and energy, which contrasts with the more reserved behavior expected of Puritan children.
5. Hawthorne would likely see the neighbors' views as narrow and judgmental. He often criticizes the Puritan society's harsh and unforgiving nature through his characters' experiences.