most complex and misunderstood symbols in the book is Pearl, the

daughter of Hester Prynne. Pearl, throughout the story, develops into

a dynamic symbol - one that is always changing. In the following

essay, I will explore some of the symbolism which Pearl came to

In The Scarlet Letter, Hester, for her sins, received a

scarlet letter, "A" which she had to wear upon her chest. This was

the Puritan way of treating her as a criminal, for the crime of

adultery. The Puritan treatment continued, because as Hester would

walk through the streets, she would be looked down upon as if she were

some sort of demon from Hell, that committed a terrible crime. This

would give her much mental anguish and grief. On the other hand,

God's treatment of Hester for her sin was quite different than just

Hester had in life, and if Pearl wasn't in Hester's life, Hester would

price that Hester paid for Pearl. With Pearl, Hester's life was one

was with her association with the scarlet letter. Pearl really was

Although Hester had so much trouble with Pearl, she still felt

Pearl was more then her mother's only treasure; she was her mother's

Some common words found in the essay are:
Pearl Hester, Letter Hester, Pearl Hester's, Prynne Pearl, Scarlet Letter, scarlet letter, hester's life, pearl symbolized, Pearl Pearl, scarlet letter pearl, mother times, pearl pearl, letter pearl, throughout novel, times wilting,
Approximate Word count = 623
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)