Scarlet Letter Pearl Symbolism

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In The Scarlet Letter, written by Nathaniel Hawthorne, Pearl portrays the role of Hester Prynne’s daughter. She justifies as the product of adultery, deception, and misjudgment. However, Pearl, the beautiful daughter of the town’s adulterer, possesses demon-like qualities. Furthermore, the townspeople question whether Pearl characterizes a blessing or a curse. Overall, Pearl expresses the traits of both a blessing and a curse towards Hester by being her treasure, her responsibility, and her reminder of her sin.
Throughout The Scarlet Letter, Pearl portrays a blessing and a curse towards Hester, yet at the beginning of the book, Hester symbolizes Pearl as her treasure. On the day of Pearl’s birth, Hester names her “Pearl” to represent the cost of her virtue and place in society. Furthermore, Hester “purchases” her with all she acquires. Thanks to Hester, Pearl faces life as an outcast of the infantile world. Although Hester names Pearl after a valuable object, the townspeople believe she maintains no authority among other infants. Simply because Hester gives birth to Pearl, society immediately perceives her as a demon offspring, an imp of evil, and an emblem of sin. However, while …show more content…
As a child, Pearl recognizes the scarlet letter and instantly appeals to the elaborate embroidery; however, she exemplifies the living personification of the scarlet letter. Hester recognizes this in the first scaffold scene when she resists the temptation to hold Pearl in front of the scarlet letter, "wisely judging that one token of her shame would but poorly serve to hide another." Therefore, she remains a physical reminder of Hester’s adulterous act, causing her further anguish and misery, by consistently keeping her aware. On the contrary, Pearl defines Hester’s identity and provides her with a companion to love. Overall, supporting Pearl helps Hester redeem herself throughout the
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