Final answer:
The question asks for the nature of a character named Pearl as perceived by Hester, implying a non-human identity. Without specific literary context, we can only infer that Hester's statement could be metaphorical or symbolic. A thorough understanding of the text in question is necessary to give a precise answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question posed pertains to a character's assertion about another character's humanity, or lack thereof, within a literary work. While it does not explicitly reference a known text or provide clear details, the line of inquiry suggests an examination of character perception and identity within a narrative framework. To address the question directly, we would need to identify the text and understand the context in which Hester claims Pearl is not human and what she defines her as instead.
Without the specific context from a known literary source, such as 'The Scarlet Letter' by Nathaniel Hawthorne where Hester Prynne has a daughter named Pearl, we cannot precisely answer what Hester said Pearl was. However, if we infer from literature where characters often symbolize ideas or embody non-human elements, such as spirits, supernatural entities, or personifications of emotions or virtues, we could conceptualize Hester's claim as metaphorical or symbolic.
As the literary context is not provided, it is essential for students to focus on the given text when analyzing characters and their assertions about one another. This analysis often reflects broader themes within the work, such as nature, identity, and human condition.