What Does Pearl Symbolize In The Scarlet Letter

The Scarlet Letter is a book of much symbolism. One of the most complex and misunderstood symbols in the book is Pearl, the daughter of Hester Prynne. Pearl symbolizes a real and constant reminder of Hester’s sins, she is much more prominent and evident than the “A” that Hester wore, for she is a real living breathing person who will always remain a part Hester. Hawthorne places Pearl in the novel to explore the theme of Romanticism, to create a character who is passionate and true, one who questions the behavior and values of Hester and Dimmesdale. Pearl’s behavior towards her mother varied at different times. She would often constantly nag her mother and became infatuated with the scarlet "A" which her mother wore. She is anything but a normal Puritan child, and Hawthorne creates her character very interestingly. “The child could not be made amenable to rules. In giving her existence, a great law had been broken.....” (91)Pearl was so very aware of this “A” even if she did not fully understand the meaning of it at her young age. Although, she did have a
He cannot take his emotions bottled up any longer, and being able to love his daughter, and have her know him is something he longs for. Pearl symbolizes Dimmesdale’s part in the adultery just as much as she symbolizes Hesters. Pearl does not fully accept Dimmesdale as her father, until he willingly admits his sins, and when she finally does, we can see the beauty of the relationship of a father and daughter finally able to love one another. At the last Scaffold scene in the novel is where where we can clearly see the truth of Hester, Pearl and Dimmesdale as a family. “...While she [Pearl] used to be perceived as elfish, she now shows the first signs of normal human emotion. After Dimmesdale confesses his sin, she kisses his lips voluntarily”