chapter 18
"But this had been a sin of passion, not of principle, nor even purpose. "
in this line Hawt. makes clear that the sin, as well as the kid Pearl (before being recognized by his father*) does not exist- is unreal (ex. the reflection of pearl in the water) because committed with love. He forgives D, as we have seen more than once. "nor even purpose" on the other hand makes me think that he didn't love Hester, but actually his "purpose" was not to go against the sociey, against the law. (weak!!)
*After that, Pearl will become real, and will not have to be next to the mother to have a life.
Sin of passion? Is passion a sin? Is Hawthorne questioning this? His passion and love for Hester are not what destroys him, but his neglect and hiding. He has broken human law.
ReplyDeleteTheme: Law vs. Nature