The Pearl · Chapter
XIII explained
The Dreamer continues his conversation with the Pearl Maiden, who explains the parable of the pearl of great price and the nature of the kingdom of heaven.
What happens
The Dreamer continues his conversation with the Pearl Maiden, who explains the parable of the pearl of great price and the nature of the kingdom of heaven. She describes how the Lamb chose her as His bride, cleansing her with His blood and crowning her in purity. The Dreamer, puzzled by her unique queenship, questions whether other virtuous souls are excluded from such honor.
Themes in this chapter
Divine Grace and Mercy
The Maiden emphasizes that her status is a gift of grace, not earned merit, as the Lamb chose her and cleansed her.
Innocence and Purity
The pearl symbolizes spotless purity, and the Maiden's description of being washed in the Lamb's blood underscores the ideal of innocence.
Heavenly Kingdom and Eternal Bliss
The chapter discusses the kingdom of heaven as a pearl of great price, and the Maiden's queenship reflects the eternal bliss of the saved.
Characters to notice
- The Dreamer
Questions the Maiden about the meaning of the pearl and her unique status as queen.
- The Pearl Maiden
Explains the parable of the pearl and describes how the Lamb chose her as His bride.
- The Lamb
Referred to as the one who calls the Maiden to Himself, cleanses her, and crowns her.
Key passages
“Christ called to Him the innocents mild, And said His kingdom no man might win, Unless he came thither as a child”
Christ summoned the gentle innocents and declared that no one can enter His kingdom without becoming like a child.
The Dreamer recalls Christ's teaching on childlike innocence as a prerequisite for heaven.
“This pearl unblemished, bought so dear, For which the merchant his riches gave, Is like the kingdom of heaven clear;”
The flawless pearl, purchased at great cost by the merchant, is a simile for the kingdom of heaven.
The Maiden interprets the parable of the pearl as a symbol of the heavenly kingdom.
“My spotless Lamb, who all doth heal, She answered, my dear Destiny, Chose me in marriage bond to seal; Unfit, He graced me regally”
The Maiden replies that the immaculate Lamb, her beloved destiny, chose her to be His bride, and despite her unworthiness, He honored her royally.
The Maiden attributes her exalted state entirely to the Lamb's gracious choice.