Interview with Pearl Pilkington, Character from The Way of Beauty

Where and when were you born?

I was born in 1890 and remember watching turn-of-the-century celebrations with my family. I’m glad I was old enough to witness that, as I won’t be around for the next one!

Where have you lived?

I have lived in New York City for all of my life.

Family members?

I am an only child. My father is a clothing magnate and my mother organizes many fundraisers for the needy. I did not see them very much growing up. I am widowed and have a son, William, from that marriage.

In what situation is your self esteem most at risk?

I pretend that I don’t care what my parents think about my work in the suffrage movement, but I’m afraid that I do. I wish that they supported it, and I am saddened that it is not something I can share with them since it is such an important part of my life.

What are you keeping a secret?

I don’t let on, but I miss my late husband terribly.

What are you lying to yourself about? To others?

I am lying if I say that I am a better mother than my own was. In fact, I am more like her than I care to admit. She was – and is – fiercely devoted to her causes, more so than she was to me as her daughter. And though I want to be a caring and devoted mother, I weigh the time I can spend for that one life versus all the good I can do for many lives, and it draws me away.

How do you decide of you can trust someone?

There are few people that I trust, but if I can determine that their motivations are pure, I will give them my whole heart.

When you walk into a room what do you notice first? Second?

That’s a good question. First, I notice who is serving and who is being served. Then, I look at how the served are treating the servants.

How would you change the world?  The things around you? The people around you?

I work for a world where all are equal, regardless of gender, race, or financial abilities. I am currently working on helping women gain the right to vote. Let me correct that – we already have the right to vote based on our dignity as human beings. But our government is suppressing that right.

How do you learn best?

I learn best by doing. I participate fully in anything I believe in.

What unusual hobbies or interests do you have?

I have little time for hobbies, though if I did, I’d quite like to read a lot more than I do. I believe reading is the best education, and I encourage more women to do it.

What are you most afraid of?

I am afraid of frogs. I know. A silly thing, but there it is.

What do you like best about yourself?

I like that I give myself fully to my causes.

What do you like least about yourself?

I dislike that I do it at the expense of those I love.

What do you think other people think of you?

I’m sure people find me to be quite intense, but I am much softer inside than I let on.

What’s your greatest source of joy?

My son, William. I see my late husband reflected in his face. He is often asleep by the time I get home, and I get great joy in looking at him, so innocent.