Scarlett Letter :: essays research papers

The Scarlet Letter The Scarlet Letter is a novel with much symbolism. Throughout the novel several characters even up other ideas. One of the most complex and misunderstood characters in the novel is osseous tissue, the daughter of Hester Prynne. Pearl, throughout the story, develops into a dynamic symbol &8211 one that is always changing. Although Pearl changes, she always symbolizes evil. Pearl symbolizes evil in the story by representing God&8217s punishment of Hester&8217s sin, symbolizing the guilt and the scarlet letter that controls her behavior, and defying puritan laws by being cheerful and associating with nature. Pearl represents God&8217s punishment by her mocking and nagging of Hester. Throughout the novel she sometimes seemed to her mother as almost a witch baby (Matthiessen 104). She is a baffling mixture of strong emotions with a fierce temper and a capacity for evil. With Pearl, Hester&8217s carriage became one of constant nagging, and no joy. The child could no t be made amenable to rules. Hester even remarks to herself, &8220Oh Father in heaven &8211 if thou art comfort my father &8211 what is this being which I have brought into the world (Hawthorne 89)? Pearl would harass her mother Piyasena/Pine 2 over the scarlet &8220A she wore. In time, Hester was subjected to so much badinage from Pearl and others that she was forced into seclusion. Pearl represents the sins of both Hester and Dimmesdale. Pearl is said to be the direct consequence of sin (Martin 108). Their sins include lying to the people round the mapping that led to Pearl. Hester realizes what Pearl represents when she does not hold Pearl up in front of the &8220A. She carries the child around because it is a direct reflection of her sin. Hester is, &8220wisely judgement that one token of her shame would but poorly serve to hide another (Hawthorne 48). Dimmesdale&8217s sin is not adultery but not having the courage to agree that he had adulterated. Therefore his is a &8220 concealed sin. The scarlet letter amuses Pearl, and also controls her behavior. It is noted that, Pearl has been described in terms almost exclusively of uncontrolled, pell-mell passion (MacLean 54). Throughout the novel Pearl is attracted to the &8220A. Even when she is just a baby, &8220her infant&8217s eyes had been caught by the glimmering of the gold embroidery about the letter (Hawthorne 90). When Pearl is older and Hester throws the letter on the ground, Pearl yells at her mother until she places the &8220A back on her bosom.