Who Is The Pearl In The Scarlet Letter

Because Pearl’s conception is a constant reminder of what brought her into the world, the Puritan's equate her to sin and evil; however, this is a misinterpretation of who she really is. In the Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, Pearl is seen as an unworldly creature, incapable of any good. Her personality is unusual and difficult to comprehend, which prompts the puritanical society to question her ethical development. Pearl is constantly viewed as a mischievous elf-child by all the Puritans in Boston, yet Hawthorne intensely compares her to a glorious work of art. She is the representation of the Scarlet letter in human form. A child who is as significant as little Pearl, is clearly misunderstood by the colony Protestants. Pearl is
Their first public encounter is when Dimmesdale speaks on Hester's behalf so she may keep her child, when he does, little Pearl willingly comes to him, takes his hand, and lays her cheek against it. Pearl does not understand that the man who she shows affection towards is her father, but feels an instant connection to the man who is secretly trying to protect her. After this occurrence she does not see Dimmesdale until later in the novel, when the three of the stand on the scaffold. “ ‘Wilt thou stand here with mother and me, tomorrow noontide ?’ Inquired Pearl”, she asks the Minister if he is ready to stand with them in front the entire township, and reveal his true identity. Pearl’s harmless question triggers Dimmesdale's conscience to overcome his fear and come clean. Although Dimmesdale is not yet ready for such a courageous act, he does confront the community on his Election Day sermon. Before Dimmsdale takes his last breaths, Pearl bestows the kiss that she has withheld from him, know her father is finally at peace. Pearl being the offspring of an immense lawbreaker has provided tranquility for the two beings closest to