The class novel we are currently studying is the Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne. This book has many different themes and ideas that can be interpreted in different ways. In my presentation I am focusing on Hester Prynne and her daughter Pearl who is being raised by a single mother. With that being my main focus it leads me to my essential question which is.

This question resonates with the novel and real world issues because in the novel Pearl definitely has some emotional battles and struggles that she copes with in many different ways. In the real world being raised by a single parent can be challenging and emotionally draining. Some children may not get the guidance or structure that they need in their lives. They may feel emotions that hurt them because they are not “normal” like most children who have a mom and dad that are together. There are many different ways that children with single parents can become emotionally unstable.

The source I have selected connected with my topic of single parenting because it shows of how children are effected and on average how many are effected. Single parent families are most likely to develop stress and depression. Children coming from single or divorced families are more likely to develop attention deficit disorder(ADHD) which is understandable considering they only have one parent that is focused on providing for their child and does not really focus on the child themself. The difficulties of a single parent family can also effect the relationship between the parent and the child.

My source and novel are both key aspects of my research because the source tells me some of the behavioral issues and emotions that a child may develop if being raised by a single parent and the novel gives me perfect examples of how a child reacts to developing some of those issues. In the novel Pearl Hester’s daughter is very unusual. Pearl has many emotions of her own, some people call her a demon child. Pearl is a very intelligent child who already can connect the dots about her mother and the minister. Though she is chaotic and unusual she still manages to be herself.

Single parenting can be hard for the parent and the child. Usually parents hide their emotions from their children and handle them on their own but how is a child expected to handle their emotional on their own. They’re not they need their parents guidance and attention and when they don’t feel they are getting that they can develop mental disorders like depression or ADHD. It is very common for children with single parents to develop these disorders. Children don’t know any better at a young age and they need any help they can get. Having to deal with these struggles, emotions, and distress can drain a child physically and mentally. This is why young children that have singe parents should get more help.