What Does Pearl Symbolize In The Scarlet Letter

One of the most multifaceted, elaborate, and symbolic characters in The Scarlet Letter is Pearl, the daughter of Hester Prynne and Arthur Dimmesdale. Although she is fairly young during the majority of this novel, she possesses the unique ability to provoke the adult characters in the book. She asks them pointed questions and draws their attention to the repudiated or disregarded truths of the adult world. This typically would be unusual behavior for a child her age, but she continually acts abnormal throughout the majority of The Scarlet Letter. Her symbolism catches the attention of the reader and characters as well. There are many ways in which Pearl serves as a symbol, whether it’s the way she dresses, or the vehement attitude which seems to reflect the adulterous act in which she was conceived. Functioning as a symbol in multiple ways, Pearl catches the attention of many. One way that the young girl is symbolic is how she constantly serves as a reminder of her mothers passion. Her mother, Hester, realizes this during the first

She personifies the adulterous act itself. She is both Hester's prize and joy, her "pearl of great price," and her torment, which is endured because Hester is perplexed by Pearl's early identification with the scarlet letter. The "pearl of great price" is a reference to the Biblical Gospel of Matthew; specifically Jesus' proverb describing heaven when a merchant came upon a pearl, and he sold all he had to buy it. In addition to how Pearl is viewed by her mother, physical contributes to the inclination of Pearl being the personification of the scarlet A exist as well. Hester dresses Pearl in elaborate dresses made in gold, red or both colors. Even when she goes to Governor Bellingham's to plead for her daughter's custody, Hester dresses Pearl in a crimson velvet tunic. Overall Pearl embodies the scarlet letter metaphorically and