The Scarlet Letter: Chapter 8 Summary & Analysis

John Wilson, Chillingworth and Dimmesdale arrive at the Governor's residence. The men tease Pearl, calling her a demon-child because of her scarlet clothing, but stop when they realize that she's Hester's daughter and that Hester must be present.

The Governor asks Hester how she can justify keeping Pearl. Hester says she'll teach Pearl what she's learned from wearing the scarlet letter. The Governor says that the letter is her badge of shame.

Mr. Wilson asks Pearl who made her. Pearl says that she was plucked from the rose bush just outside the prison door.

The Governor, alarmed by this response, suggests that they conduct a closer investigation into Hester's fitness as a mother. Hester says she will die before giving up Pearl.

Hester begs Dimmesdale to defend her. Dimmesdale argues that Pearl was sent by God to serve as Hester's one true punishment and to guard her from sinning again. He points out that Hester even dresses Pearl in red, likening her to the scarlet letter.

Chillingworth notes that Dimmesdale spoke with an unusual amount of passion and conviction.

Pearl approaches Dimmesdale and grasps his hand. She then runs down the hall. Mr. Wilson remarks that, like a witch, her feet barely touch the ground.

Dimmesdale's speech convinces the Governor not to take Pearl from Hester. On their way out of the Governor's residence, Hester and Pearl see Mistress Hibbins. She invites Hester to a witches' gathering in the woods with the Black Man, but Hester declines, saying she must care for Pearl.