Character Of Pearl Symbolism
Throughout “The Character of Pearl” by Nina Baym, the author describes Pearl’s symbolic purpose and human attributes. Essentially, the character of Pearl is not only a symbolic function, but also the representation of a human child. She is defiant, wild, and refuses to abide by the rules of society. Pearl seems to exhibit Hester’s attributes as she is beautiful and imaginative as well. Not only is the child representing the letter as Hester conceives it, but she is also the letter’s agent in a scheme independent of her. Pearl must enforce her mother’s guilt and represent her rebellion as well. She is characterized by energy and creativity, but lacks reference to the society she was born in. Pearl is very realistic as she is attracted to a colorful
letter, and she reflects her mother’s behavior. When she kisses Dimmesdale, she becomes fully human for the first instance in the novel. Pearl ceases to be a character in the story when she becomes human-like, and therefore, is best described as a symbol or function. Ultimately, Pearl represents Hester’s sin of adultery, but she is given human attributes by the author as well.
letter, and she reflects her mother’s behavior. When she kisses Dimmesdale, she becomes fully human for the first instance in the novel. Pearl ceases to be a character in the story when she becomes human-like, and therefore, is best described as a symbol or function. Ultimately, Pearl represents Hester’s sin of adultery, but she is given human attributes by the author as well.