The Whirlwind

In chapter six, Hawthorne says of Hester that “She could recognize her [Pearl’s] wild, desperate, defiant mood, the flightiness of her temper, and even some of the very cloud-shapes of gloom and despondency that had brooded in her heart. They were now illuminated by the morning radiance of a young child’s disposition, but, later in the day of earthly existence, might be prolific of the storm and whirlwind.” The final words here hearken back to HOSEA 8:6-7 where the Lord’s prophet predicts “the calf of Samaria shall be broken to pieces. They [Israel] sow the wind, and reap the whirlwind.”