The irony of this situation illuminates that the townspeople are not without sin themselves. ... Unlike the man she married, however, he is portrayed with images of a dark nature. ... His half-hearted attempt to secure Hester's confession is due to his fear of incriminating himself. ... When he grabs Pearl hand, the narrator states, "The moment that he did so, there came what seemed a tumultuous rush of new life, other life than his own, pouring like a torrent into his heart and hurrying through all his veins, as if the mother and the child were communicating their vital warmth to his hal...

• Word Count: 1627
• Approx Pages: 7
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School