Pearl

First off, I would like to say that so far, I am having trouble connecting with this book.  Personally, I feel like all it really has been so far is set up and description of scenes, and to be completely honest, it loses my attention.  I did, however, like the chapter about Pearl because although there is still judgement from others because of where Pearl comes from, I feel this is the most light-hearted chapter so far.  My favorite quote from this passage would definitely have to be:
           For so had Hester called her [Pearl]; not as a name expressive of her aspect, which had                        nothing of the calm, white unimpassioned lustre that would be indicated by the comparison.                But she named the infant "Pearl," as being of great price,--purchased with all she had,--her                  mother's only treasure! (81).
Okay, now let's break it down.  First, just to warn the readers what the name is not about, Hawthorne writes that is is not because of her physical and mental characteristics.  Alright so we got that...we now know what the name is not representative of.  Time for the part I really like, "But she named the infant "Pearl," as being of great price,--purchased with all she had,--her mother's only treasure!"  If it isn't already apparent, I really like this part.  Now we'll break it down even further.

"But she named the infant "Pearl," as being of great price..."  Hawthorne tells us that Pearl was named as such because she is worth so much--literally translated being of high value.  How beautiful! She's priceless to her mom.

Next, Hawthorne writes, "purchased with all she had..."  He is not wrong here.  In order for Pearl to come into existence, her mother committed not only a crime but a sin.  And to pay for it, she lost the respect of all those around her and gained their judgement instead.  That's a heavy burden to take on.

Finally, "her mother's only treasure!"  Due to the sin Hester took part in in order to have this child, she has lost everything, but she gained this child.  Pearl is literally the only good thing in Hester's life.  Hester has no friends, she is looked down-upon by nearly everyone (including the poor whom she helps by donating clothes to them), and she is alone.  Except for Pearl.  Pearl is the one person she will (hopefully) always have, and is the only person that loves her.  Therefore, she is truly "her mother's only treasure!"

-Olivia