The Scarlet Letter
Children are, by nature, incredibly sensitive creatures. They can sense almost any emotion an adult might feel just by observing a particular person's body language and facial expressions. Such is the case with the youthful Pearl from the novel The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorn. One of the most complex and elaborate characters in this novel is Pearl, the daughter of Hester Prynne and Arthur Dimmesdale. As the daughter of the adulteress Hester Prynne, the townspeople view Pearl as a demon in an angel's clothing; as an imp who not only knows exactly what the letter "A" signifies on the breast of her mother, but as the demon who placed it there as well. Pearl, throughout the story, develops into a dynamic individual, as well as an extremely important symbol- one who is constantly changing. Pearl is involved in a complex history, and as a result is viewed as different and is shunned because of her mother's sin. Pearl is a living Scarlet A to Hester, as well as the reader, acting as a constant reminder of Hester's sin. They believe Pearl uses this information against Hester by constantly mentioning the letter in order to make Hester extremely uncomfortable. This is not true. "'Nay, Mother, I have told all I know,' said Pearl
"Tell me! Tell me!...It is thou that must tell me..." (95)! Using Pearl's characteristics of curiosity and sensitivity, one can make assumptions about whether or not Pearl understands what the scarlet letter symbolizes. While she is too young to possibly comprehend Puritanical sin and punishment, Pearl can easily understand that the letter is her mother's chastisement and embarrassment. "Why, what is this, Mother?...Wherefore have all the people left their work today? Is it a playday for the whole world..." (224)? Through this statement made by Pearl, one may realize Pearl does see a connection between Hester's letter and Dimmesdale's habit of covering his heart with his hand, although she does not know what this connection is. Pearl is amazing child, and perhaps one of the only many-sided characters in this novel. While the townsfolk and even Pearl's own mother are afraid of the child, Pearl is, under close examination, a naturally inquisitive and temperamental child. Although some readers of this novel may not care to read between the lines and see beyond the labeling of demon and imp, the true Pearl is completely different from this stereotype. The real Pearl, the inquisitive, intelligent, and beautiful creature she is, becomes the symbol for salvation in this novel. Pearl may be the product of sin and "filthiness," yet she possesses traits that make her an amazing child. Indeed, Pearl is the rosebush which grows near the prison door: she is the one bright spot the prisoners of this novel see as they watch from their small windows in the dungeon of their minds. This seems to be Pearl's act of gratitude towards the Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale. One might wonder why the sh
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Approximate Word count = 1141
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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