"The Scarlet Letter," is one of Nathaniel Hawthorne's most eminent masterpieces. This work distinguishes him and brought him to the forefront of American literature. Hawthorne narrates a sinful woman's life in the tradition new America society. There are many wonderful characters in the novel and among all of them, Pearl is the most mysterious and had something original and symbolical in the story in her features.
The girl is the bad result of the adultery between her parents, who can be considered as the symbol of the sin and scarlet letter. "However, wisely judging that one token of her shame would but poorly serve to hide another."(p12) Just because of this, Hester worries about the girl's growth of nature and cherishes the baby bought with all of her life. In order to give the girl best wishes, Hester names her daughter after the Pearl, "purchased with all she had,-her mother's only treasure."(p47) If Pearl isn't born, Hester can have a better life than that she has described in the story, but she still treats Pearl as her only treasure and dresses her up every day. Hester dresses up Pearl to look nice just like she does to the scarlet letter itself. .
Pearl is Hester's misery, punishment but she is also her only happiness, as she is sent as a blessing and as retribution to remind Hester of her fall from grace and to teach her way to heaven. That's Pearl's mission and why she is so important to her mother. "I must tarry at home, and keep watch over my little Pearl. Had they taken her from me, I would willingly have gone with thee into the forest, and signed my name in the Black Man's book too, and that with mine own blood!"( p99) It is Pearl who saved Hester from Satan's temptation. There is nobody else besides Pearl can support and bring hope to Hester. .
Dark sides of human nature are presented in this novel, such as Dimmesdale's cowardice, .
Chillingworth's evilness and the persecution existing for the cruel laws.
