Nathaniel Hawthorne commingles the use of symbolism frequently in his book The Scarlet Letter. The most complex of these symbols is Pearl, the daughter of the illicit relationship between Hester Pyrnne and Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale. Pearl possesses intelligence, imagination and an attitude of inquisitiveness and determination, which occasionally gives way to sheer disobedience of her mothers will. She is a girl of diverse temperaments. Her unusual behavior leads to appellations of different sorts usually inauspicious. A few examples of these names include, “imp,” “elf-child,” “airy sprite,” and “children of the Lord of Misrule.
The majority of the Puritan community deem Pearl as a “demon offspring. ” These varying aspects of the dynamic character, Pearl, suit her to be the most eminent symbol which Hawthorne utilizes in The Scarlet Letter. As the novel commences, the Puritan officials had deem that Hester is to wear a scarlet “A” on her bosom for the rest of her natural life as a form of punishment for her sin. The Puritan community shuns her for the “A,” meaning adultery. The other punishment that Hester received is Pearl. Pearl serves as the prominent symbol of the immoral love affair between Hester Pyrnne and the Reverend Dimmesdale.
This realization dawns upon Hester when “her first impulse to clasp the infant closely to her bosom; not so much by an impulse of motherly affection, as that she might thereby conceal a certain token. ” (Pg. 50) A moment later, she “wisely judging that one token of her shame would but poorly serve to hide another. ” (Pg. 50) In this sense, her daughter and the ingrained scarlet “A,” are forever a constant mental and physical reminder to Hester of her sin. “But that first object of which Pearl seemed to become aware was-shall we say? the scarlet letter on Hesters bosom! ” (Pg. 93) Peculiarly, Pearl as an infant acknowledges the scarlet “A” on her mothers bosom as the first object that she recognizes.
As of that moment, Pearl evolves from being solely Gods punishment to an active and forceful symbol. The ultimate price that Hester pays for Pearl is the ruination of her life, outwardly and mentally. Subsequently, the attachment of the “A” and Pearls birth, Hester Pyrnne becomes the outcast of Puritan society. Emotionally, Hester suffers the constant nagging guilt, of which Pearl is a reminder.
Pearls actions and words constantly torment Hester. Pearl would run about and “amused herself with gathering handfuls of wild flowers and flinging them, one by one, at her mothers bosom, dancing up and down like a little elf whenever she hit the scarlet letter. ” (Pg. 94) Her mothers breast being injured with Pearls “battery of flowers. ” (Pg. 94) Hesters daughter then demands an explanation for where she is from. Pearl refuses to accept Hesters explanation, “Thy Heavenly Father sent thee! ” (Pg. 95) She further torments her mother by saying, “I see you here. Look! Look! ” (Pg. 2) Pearl points to Governor Bellinghams polished breast plate that reflects the scarlet “A” into overpowering and gigantic proportions.
This event, without a doubt hurts Hester, perhaps unintentionally by Pearl. The elfin child then appears to mock her mother by creating, “A letter-the letter “A”–but freshly green, instead of scarlet! ” (Pg. 174) Pearl uses this event to her advantage by pestering and tormenting her mother consistently with questions of the letters significance. These examples prove that Pearl symbolizes the decimation of Hesters life and mental well-being.
Although Pearl is a far more efficient punishment than the scarlet “A,” Hester feels her daughter is her one and only treasure. Pearl being the principal star in Hesters redemption. Hester Pyrnne greatly fears the loss of Pearl. This may contribute towards her leniency with Pearl. The statement proves itself when Hester says, “had they taken her from me, I would willingly have gone with thee into the forest and signed my name with the Black Mans book too, and that with mine own blood! ” (Pg. 113) In Hesters mind Pearl symbolizes a rose. The flower appears beautiful, inviting and soothing.
The thorns of the rose symbolize her fiendish nature at times, uninviting, callous and the infliction of affliction upon her mother. A rose is usually treasured by the person; Pearl in the same concept is similar to the rose. Another symbol that Pearl represents is the living embodiment of the scarlet letter. She begins to symbolize her mothers conscience. Hester would lead a life less grievous if not for Pearl. Should Pearl not be born, Hester Pyrnne would be less likely to be found guilty of adultery; therefore, never having to wear the scarlet “A” on her bosom.
This is the reason of Pearl being the living embodiment of the scarlet letter. Pearls ever-changing moods and temperaments secure her as Hawthornes most prominent symbol in The Scarlet Letter. Pearl, the impish girlish creature, symbolizes many elements in Hawthornes book. Hesters love for Pearl is never misplaced in the tale, but the reader gains a sense of contempt. Hester believes that without Pearl, she would not have survived the seven long years of exile from the Puritan society. Her daughters varying personality traits brings about a sense of joy and a change in her monotonous life.
