The Scarlet Letter is a book with one main symbol. The most complex and misunderstood symbol in the book is Pearl, the daughter of Hester Prynne. Pearl is a real and constant reminder of Hester’s sins, she proves as much more evidence than the “A” that Hester wore, for she is a real living breathing person who will always remain a part Hester. Pearl in the novel is a character that is agonizing to her mother and others, but she is the one who questions the behavior and relationship between Hester and Dimmesdale.
Pearl’s behavior towards her mother varied at different times. She would often constantly nag her mother and became obsessed with the scarlet "A" that her mother wore. She is anything but a normal
Towards the end Pearl grows to understand her mother and the major events that had taken place before and after her birth. Pearl, throughout the story, develops into a symbol - one that is always changing and affecting Hester, Dimmesdale and the whole situation. Pearl is a huge symbol; she is the true result of Hester and Dimmesdale’s love and feelings for each other, which was not allowed in their Puritan society.
Pearl is a large part of Dimmesdale’s wanting to finally confess his sins as Hester did. He cannot take his emotions bottled up any longer, and being able to love his daughter, and have her know him is something he longs for. Pearl symbolizes Dimmesdale’s part in the adultery just as much as she symbolizes Hester's. Pearl doe
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