Hester Prynne's Role In Scarlet Letter

The Scarlet Letter is set in 17th century Massachusetts. It follows Hester Prynne and the consequences her “sin” has on her, her child, and the community as a whole. Most believe Hester is going to hell and that she gave birth to the devil because of having sex out of marriage. Her husband, Roger Chillingworth wants revenge on her and her unannounced partner in crime. Pearls involvement in Hawthorne's novel in crucial by bringing Hester's sin to life; therefore, creating challenges for her within the Puritan community. It is simple biology, plenty of women have sex without protection without conceiving a child. Pearl is included in the story for the simple fact that without her, no one would have known the Hester and Dimmesdale committed adultery unless they were caught in the act. Pearl forces both Hester and Dimmesdale to come to terms with what they have done. This happens when Pearl, Dimmesdale, and Hester are alone together on the scaffold as a family. This is shown through them holding hands and Dimmesdale acknowledging Pearl as his child through the words, “Not now, child, but at another time”. This shows that Dimmesdale believes him, Pearl, and Hester will at one point act as a family;
Due to the fact that the scarlet letter represents Hester's sin that produced Pearl. Pearl points out the A on Hester's chest every chance she gets; Although, she is not intentionally trying to hurt Hester she does just that. Everytime Pearl points out her letter Hester is reminded of her sin. In a way, the letter and Pearl serve the same purpose of the A on Hester's chest. In addition, Pearl is the best thing that happened to Hester because it is all she has left. Her love for pearl and the how she makes the A obvious and beautiful represents Hester not allowing herself to be shamed by the other people in town because of having pearl. Through all of the hate Pearl makes Hester a stronger