However, we can infer what they might assume based on the context of the scene in *The Scarlet Letter*. Here's a breakdown:
What They Ask:
Mr. Wilson and Governor Bellingham ask Pearl, "Who made thee?" This is a loaded question. It's not just about her biological creation, but also about her upbringing, her moral compass, and her sense of belonging.
What Pearl Answers:
Pearl answers, "God made me; and I was born a long time ago." This answer is deliberately evasive. She acknowledges God's role in her existence but avoids mentioning her mother and the circumstances of her birth.
What They Might Assume:
Based on Pearl's ambiguous answer, Mr. Wilson and Governor Bellingham might assume:
* A Lack of Parental Guidance: Her refusal to acknowledge her mother and the circumstances of her birth might be interpreted as a sign of improper upbringing and a lack of moral guidance.
* A Possible Connection to the Devil: The ambiguity surrounding her origins and her somewhat rebellious nature could fuel their suspicion that she might be influenced by evil forces.
* A Threat to Societal Order: Pearl's independence and her unconventional behavior could be seen as a threat to the strict social order and religious beliefs of their Puritan community.
Why Pearl Doesn't Give a "Straight" Answer:
The narrator suggests that Pearl doesn't provide a direct answer because:
* She Understands the Social Stigma: Pearl is aware of the shame associated with Hester's sin and her own "illegitimacy". She understands that acknowledging her mother would only invite more scrutiny and judgment.
* She Doesn't Accept Societal Norms: Pearl is a free spirit, not bound by the conventions of the Puritan community. She defies expectations and avoids giving answers that would conform to societal norms.
* She Feels a Connection to the Wild: Pearl's answer, "God made me; and I was born a long time ago," alludes to a sense of being outside societal structures, closer to nature and the natural world, which she sees as more authentic.
Therefore, Pearl's refusal to give a straightforward answer reflects her awareness of the societal pressures surrounding her, her rebellion against those pressures, and her unique connection to the natural world. This makes her a complex character who both challenges and embodies the moral and social norms of her time.