The Symbolism Of Pearl In Scarlet Letter
Pearl is first seen in the novel as a baby on the scaffold with her mother, a “symbol of shame” which poorly covers her mother’s own scarlet letter. Later in this scene, Hester is exhorted by Dimmesdale, at the command of Reverend Wilson, to “speak out the name of thy fellow-sinner and fellow sufferer.” Upon hearing this, Pearl “directed” her gaze towards Dimmesdale and help up her arms with a “half-pleased, half plaintive murmur.” Pearl’s response to Dimmesdale shows her as a scarlet letter, pushing for confession and repentance. Pearl’s symbolic nature as a scarlet letter manifests itself as a desire to be recognized by Dimmesdale and to see the truth brought to