Important Quote

In the novel The Scarlet Letter, it is based on a period of time that is ruled by Puritan beliefs. Because these beliefs were so narrow minded and sometimes impractical, they led to misjudgment of people. In the book there is a quote that shows this narrow minded idealism. "Pearl," said he, with great solemnity,"thou must take heed to instruction, that so, in due season, thou mayest wear in thy bosom the pearl of great price. Canst thou tell me, my child, who made thee?". This quote is said on page 76, when the minister, Chillingworth, and Reverend Dimmsdale were interrogating Hester and Pearl to see if they should keep Pearl or let Hester keep her. The minister says this quote. He is asking a three year old child, who already has many problems on her hands, who created her. They are expecting an answer to be God or some form of religious answer, but Pearl has not had contact with church and has been neglected by everyone who is involved with church. This is very unfair for Pearl because if she answers incorrectly, then she is going to be taken away from her mother. This is a significant part of the story because it shows how the Puritans thought,  and how they treated people, even the young, immature children.