"A squirrel... chattered at the child, and flung down a nut upon her head... A fox... looked inquisitively at Pearl, as doubting whether it were better to steal off, or renew his nap on the same spot. A wolf... came up, and smelt of Pearl's robe, and offered his savage head to be patted by her hand."
"The truth seems to be, however, that the mother-forest, and these wild things which it nourished, all recognized a kindred wildness in the human child." ((Chapter 18/PAGE 178))
"Dost thou not think her beautiful? And see with what natural skill she has made those simple flowers adorn her! Had she gathered pearls, and diamonds, and rubies, in the wood, they could not have become her better. She is a splendid child!" ((Chapter 19/PAGE 180))
Woodland creatures are taking notice of Pearl. There seems to be a social hierarchy with the three creatures mentioned and their actions.
The squirrel begins, the smallest of the animals, the most inferior of each, the prey. It throws a nut at Pearl's head. Now that's not very nice, but it seems to be reminiscent of the society's relationship with the religion it prides itself on. The Puritans hold religion so high in their ideals, yet they feel themselves bigger than it, and with a higher presence of authority. With the punishments carried out by them as well as the lack of acceptance of sin by the citizens, it is like the squirrel throwing the nut. Pearl has become this divine creature/wood-nymph who is much bigger than the squirrel, yet the animal still has the nerve to antagonize it and feel itself superior to her.
The next animal, the fox, remains neutral to Pearl, much like Hester to the society. Hester feels that she is displaced from the citizens and doesn't necessarily like the people associated with dealing with her punishment, yet she knows she is deserving of the scarlet letter. This is why the fox questions whether he should move away from Pearl, or continue sleeping.
Finally, the savage wolf, who is the largest and most vicious of the three creatures. Ironically, the beast bows his head in respect to Pearl and lets her pet it. The wolf appears to hold a high position, like Arthur, but recognizes his place and still shows his respect to the divine being. However, unlike Arthur, the wolf is a very strong being; well-known as being a sign of power and leadership. The wolf is what the people should aspire to be in relation with nature and God.
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