Hester sinned greatly, and with so much guilt and shame, she cannot help Pearl with her problems until she figures out how to solve her own. In fact, Pearl is the essence of Hester's shame – from her immoral origin to her passionate behavior. Additionally, Pearl tortures Hester. Hester testifies to this herself: Pearl is an agonizing reminder of her wicked passion, and Hester cannot bring herself to discipline Pearl. With all this guilt inside and around Hester and with Pearl’s behavior toward Hester’s weakness, Hester is unable to raise Pearl
Hester sinned greatly, and with so much guilt and shame, she cannot help Pearl with her problems until she figures out how to solve her own. In fact, Pearl is the essence of Hester's shame – from her immoral origin to her passionate behavior. Additionally, Pearl tortures Hester. Hester testifies to this herself: Pearl is an agonizing reminder of her wicked passion, and Hester cannot bring herself to discipline Pearl. With all this guilt inside and around Hester and with Pearl’s behavior toward Hester’s weakness, Hester is unable to raise Pearl