"It Wasn't His Child," by Skip Ewing.

The poem "It Wasn't His Child," by Skip Ewing, is not only a good song, but it conveys a very important message as well. A man does not need to be a biological paternal figure to a child in order to be a father. The word father has a deeper meaning; it is a male figure in any person's life that not only plays a dominant role, but is "kind and good" to them. Roger Chillingworth realizes that Pearl is illegitimate and he does not play any role in bringing up that child. He is so intensely occupied seeking vengeance and torturing Arthur Dimmesdale that he totally neglects the welfare of Pearl.

Upon reading Ewing's poem, Chillingworth might realize how wrong it was to neglect Pearl. He might realize that even though Hester Prynne and Arthur Dimmesdale have suffered, Pearl does not deserve to experience pain as well. Chillingworth will never be able to have his "own" child because he is too old.

English: Hester Prynne & Pearl before the stocks

Pearled Purple eyeshadow with feather lashes

1925 | Pearl

Chillingworth had dreams of raising his own family and he now has a chance to raise that family.

By raising Pearl as if she was his own, Chillingworth might be able to redeem himself for the sins that he has committed. In a sense, he will be embracing the living emblem of the Scarlet Letter, and thus he will be forgiving Arthur Dimmesdale for his sins. Chillingworth will be able to take up Dimmesdale's role as a father and do what Dimmesdale wanted to do, but could not do; raise Pearl.

By loving and taking care of Pearl like a real father, Roger Chillingworth will not only fulfill his dreams of raising a family, but he will redeem himself for the sins he committed and he will be able to bring Hester to peace. By not...