Pearl's Behavior In The Scarlet Letter

Pearls behavior in the Scarlet Letter is perceived as very peculiar for a child of her age. Though this is the case, Hawthorne writes Pearl’s character in this particular way. Pearl’s behavior plays an important role throughout the novel; her behavior is yet another consequence of Hester and Dimsdale’s sin. She is a consequence that is a living reminder, and not just so in her presence, but as well as her words and actions. In addition to the scarlet letter upon Hester’s bosom Pearl is also a torturing physical reminder to Hester and Minister Arthur Dimmesdale of their sin. “Throughout all, however, there was a trait of passion a certain Depth of hue…the child could not be amenable to rules….the mother’s impassioned state had
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Hawthorne is trying to say that though Hester in her lifetime will have to wear the scarlet to remind her and everyone else of the sin, but the bigger more torturing reminder will be her daughter Pearl. All of the guilt and pain Hester feels from committing her sin will not only be sewn on proof, but living proof of the mistake, she feels as though her pained soul is in her daughter.

Pearl is a very perceptive child, and constantly asks her mother about the scarlet letter, constantly making the reader very aware of its symbolism. Hester and Pearl throughout the novel have many brief conversations that are clear examples of this. “Mother,” said little Pearl, “the sunshine does not love you, it runs away and hides itself, because it is afraid of something on your bosom… it will not flee from me, for I wear nothing on my bosom yet!” “Nor
Throughout the novel Pearl often asks Hester why Dimmesdale holds his hand over his heart, and if it is the same reason she has to wear the letter A. Pearl does not know who her father is, however Hawthorne makes the reader believe that Pearl is more aware of the situation then Hester or the town believes her to be. Near the end of the novel Hester and Dimmesdale have a conversation in the forest, near the brook, which pearl is partly present for. “Mother,” said Pearl, “was that the same minister that kissed me by the brook?” “Hold thy peace, dear little Pearl!” whispered her mother. “We must not talk in the market place of what happens to us in the forest.” (pg. 211) This conversation between Hester and Pearl takes place after the meeting in the forest. Pearl notices Dimmesdale’s changed appearance and being a child and not being aware of the setting she is in asks her mother about his changed character. Hester does not want Pearl to reveal their family’s secret because the Puritan town would not accept it. Though Pearl is a very intuitive child she sometimes seems very childish and blunt by asking Hester important questions in uncomfortable