The Pearl · Chapter
Chapter XX explained
The Dreamer, overwhelmed by the sight of the Pearl Maiden across the stream, resolves to swim to her despite the danger.
What happens
The Dreamer, overwhelmed by the sight of the Pearl Maiden across the stream, resolves to swim to her despite the danger. His rash attempt is thwarted as he wakes from the dream, finding himself back in the arbor where the pearl was lost. He laments his exile from the heavenly vision but ultimately submits to the Prince's will, finding consolation in the hope of reunion and in the sacramental presence of Christ.
Themes in this chapter
Human Limitation and Submission
The Dreamer's rash attempt to cross the river is thwarted, and he learns to submit to the Prince's will, acknowledging the limits of human endeavor.
Grief and Mourning
The Dreamer's sorrow at being exiled from the heavenly vision and his longing for the Pearl Maiden are expressed, yet he finds some consolation in resignation.
Divine Grace and Mercy
The Dreamer acknowledges that had he presented his thoughts to God more fully, he might have thriven in His mysteries, implying the grace available to those who submit.
Characters to notice
- The Dreamer
Attempts to cross the river to reach the Pearl Maiden, but is turned aside and wakes from the dream. He expresses sorrow and resignation, ultimately submitting to the Prince's will.
- The Pearl Maiden
The object of the Dreamer's longing, she remains across the brook, crowned and secure from ill. Her counsel is remembered as mild and true.
- The Prince
The Prince's will is acknowledged as sovereign; the Dreamer's rash attempt is stayed by His decree, and the Dreamer ultimately submits to His will.
- Jesus
Referenced as Christ, who is shown daily in the form of bread and wine, and whose blessing is invoked.
Key passages
“But ere the water I had tried, Even as I would my vow fulfill, From my purpose I was turned aside; It was not to my Prince’s will.”
Before I could even touch the water, my intention was stopped—it was not according to the Prince's will.
The Dreamer's attempt is halted by divine intervention, emphasizing the theme of submission.
“As I sprang forward to the brim, The action in my dreaming made Me waken in my arbour trim.”
Just as I leaped toward the edge, the movement in my dream caused me to wake up in my neat garden shelter.
The dream ends abruptly as the Dreamer attempts to cross, leading to his awakening.
“Against my will was I exiled From that bright region, fair and fain, From that life, glad and undefiled, And longing dulled my sense again;”
I was forced to leave that beautiful and joyful place, and my longing made me feel numb again.
The Dreamer expresses his sorrow at being separated from the heavenly vision.
“To the Prince’s will had my heart bent, And sought but what to me was given, Held fast to that, with true intent, As my Pearl prayed me out of heaven;”
My heart had submitted to the Prince's will, and I sought only what was given to me, holding firmly to that with sincere purpose, as my Pearl had prayed from heaven.
The Dreamer acknowledges his submission and the guidance from the Pearl Maiden.
“The Prince’s will to serve aright The Christian may full well divine; For I have found Him, day and night, A God, a Lord, a Friend in fine.”
A Christian can truly understand how to serve the Prince's will; I have found Him to be a God, a Lord, and a Friend at all times.
The Dreamer affirms his faith and the relationship with the divine.