Pearl constantly stirred trouble and pain for her mother, especially when it came to Hester’s personal misery, “‘Was ever such a child!’ observed Hester aside to the minister. ‘Oh, I have much to tell thee about her! But, in very truth, she is right as regards this hateful token. I must bear its torture yet a little longer-’” (165). Pearl made Hester feel even more unbefitting than she already felt when playing with the “A” her mother wore upon her chest. Most of all, Pearl was uncompassionate. She was unable to understand and care when someone was hurt or troubled, even towards those whom she loved. She chose to give in to the temptation of being cruel, to criticize, and to tease, rather than to be kind. This was allegedly due to the fact that all Pearl grew up knowing was that exactly. She was never treated with kindness, nor given the benefit of the doubt, so why would she do so for others? There was simply no reason for her to give others what she was not given herself, so rather she inflicted pain. Unfortunately, Pearl never realized the agony she caused herself by abusing her own power in deteriorating those around …show more content…
Meanwhile, Chillingworth’s ignorance, Pearl’s inability to feel, and Dimmesdale’s cowardice were the sources of their weaknesses. These characters’ lack of virtue caused them to suffer devastating punishments. They have no one other than themselves to blame for their inconveniences. They created their own punishments and their own pain by hiding their absence of morality and self-awareness. Instead of owning their mistakes, they stood upon pedestals, as if they were sinless. Instead of being kind, they were inhumane. Instead of being rational, they were foolish. Hester owned her public branding, while Chillingworth, Pearl, and Dimmesdale avoided it at all costs. Sometimes it’s not the red shoes that hold all the power, sometimes it’s just so happens to be the person wearing