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What Is The Rosebush In The Scarlet Letter

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What Is The Rosebush In The Scarlet Letter
Pearl is both a relief to Hester's shame, and the reason she suffers punishment. In fact, Pearl's life parallels the rosebush. Hawthorne uses the reoccurring motif of a rosebush, the representation of beauty in an otherwise dreadful situation to describe Pearl's purpose in The Scarlet Letter. The rosebush gives optimism and dignity on the hopeless positions of the prisoners. On the other hand, Pearl is Hester Prynee's livelihood when she asserts "She is my happiness!-she is my torture, none the less!" (Hawthorn 106). Hester views Pearl as one of the few connections to a community that ostracizes her. As a result, Hester is held prisoner in a society that alienates her because of Pearl. Despite that, Pearl is also the reason for Hester's perseverance

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