Scarlet letter analysis

Authors place great importance in the characters present in their novels, considering they are a critical element in literary works. In The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, Pearl plays a significant role in the novel. Pearl initially is not presented as a main character, but throughout the story she gains importance. Pearl serves to represent the letter “A” given to her mother to symbolize adultery. Frequently, she is displayed to symbolize familiar elements as nature, which is commonly praised by Romantics. Beyond being a symbolic character, Pearl gives her mother, Hester, hope to carry on with her life. Pearl’s character is quite complex, yet her primary function is to serve as a symbol to give the reader insight on Hawthorne’s view of society. Pearl and the letter A on her mother’s chest both represent sin and are a constant reminder of the sin Hester commits. Along with the letter A, Pearl transforms as the novel progresses. Hawthorne writes, “The Scarlet Letter ceased to be a stigma which attracted the world’s scorn and bitterness, and became a type of something to be sorrowed over, and looked upon with awe,” (234). By the end of the novel the letter A has become a symbol to represent Hesters ableness and to some citizens who claim it stands for angel. Pearl was initially referred to as a devil child but by the end of the novel she grew into a benevolent individual as did the letter A. Although Pearl grew up in a difficult situation with a single mother who is casted out of society, she is still able to grow up and start a family. A Romantic values nature and its elements that are time and time again revealed through Pearl. Hawthorne writes, “She named the infant ‘Pearl’, as being of great price, -purchased with all she had,- her mother’s only treasure,”(81). Even the name, Pearl, has a significance relating to nature. A pearl is found within the shell of a pearl oyster and is highly precious even though it is the by product of pieces of sand that irritate the oyster. Similarly, Pearl may originate from a sin, but is still loved dearly by her mother. She is also compared to a flower that is a beautiful element of nature that grows and flourishes as she does throughout the novel. Furthermore, Pearl and nature both reveal truth. Pearl is living proof of the sin Hester and Dimmesdale commit and she can not be hidden from society. Pearl gives Hester the stability to regain purpose and hope in life. Hester dresses quite plainly, but dresses her daughter in beautiful dresses that make her enhance the symbolic meaning. Hester does not shy away from making the citizens aware of the sin she commits. The letter A and Pearl are clearly laid out for them to see. After Hester is allowed to join society she decides she is more comfortable living a life in the woods. Being isolated from society allows her to form her own opinions and aids her for people come to her to seek advice when they are troubled. Pearl grows up to and is said to be, “mindful of her mother, and that she would have most joyfully have entertained that sad and lonely mother at her fireside,” (234). Pearl grows up with her mother in the woods and is proud to come from where she does as she appreciates her mother. Pearl is a child, who is created out of sin and represents the growth of her mother, Hester. Initially Pearl is sin and is referred to as a devil child, yet by the end of the novel she is a fulfilled wife. Hester learns to live as an outcast of society and decides to move back to the woods. Pearl gives Hester the ability to see the world through a different light and grow emotionally into a strong and independent woman. The primary purpose of Pearl is to reflect the transformations taking place throughout the novel.