Pearl as a Symbol in Nathaniel Hawthornes The Scarlet Letter Essay

Pearl as a Symbol in The Scarlet LetterThe Scarlet Letter, scripted by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a book of much symbolism. One of the most complex and misunderstood symbols in this novel is Pearl, the daughter of Hester Prynne. The novel opens with a scene in which we learn about the sin Hester has connected, adultery. Hester has a baby and she refuses to turn in her babys father, Arthur Dimmesdale. Because this sin is considered to be one of the worst in the Puritan society, Hester is forced to demote a scarlet A which stands for adultery. Hester also has to stand on a scaffold in front of the townspeople to punish her for the sin in which she has committed and also as an example to the crowd. Throughout the novel, Pearl functions as a symbol in many ways. Initially Pearl is the symbol of Hesters public penalization for her adultery. As the novel progresses, Pearl becomes a constant reminder of Hesters sin. She relates to the scarlet letter, but while not symbolizing the sin itself, she symbolized the result of sin. Pearl would oft nag her mother and became in...