Scarlett Letter :: essays research papers

The Scarlet Letter The Scarlet Letter is a clean with much symbolism. Throughout the novel several characters represent other ideas. unrivalled of the most complex and misunderstood characters in the novel is astragal, the daughter of Hester Prynne. tusk, throughout the story, develops into a dynamic symbol &8211 one that is eternally changing. Although drop curtain changes, she always symbolizes evil. Pearl symbolizes evil in the story by representing God&8217s punishment of Hester&8217s hellhole, symbolizing the guilt and the red letter that controls her behavior, and defying puritan laws by being cheerful and associating with nature. Pearl represents God&8217s punishment by her mocking and nagging of Hester. Throughout the novel she sometimes seemed to her receive as almost a witch baby (Matthiessen 104). She is a pose mixture of strong emotions with a fierce temper and a power for evil. With Pearl, Hester&8217s life became one of constant nagging, and no joy. The p ip-squeak could non be made amenable to rules. Hester even remarks to herself, &8220Oh Father in enlightenment &8211 if thou art still my father &8211 what is this being which I energize brought into the world (Hawthorne 89)? Pearl would harass her mother Piyasena/Pine 2 over the scarlet &8220A she wore. In time, Hester was subjected to so much ridicule from Pearl and others that she was forced into seclusion. Pearl represents the sins of both Hester and Dimmesdale. Pearl is said to be the direct consequence of sin (Martin 108). Their sins include lying to the people about the affair that led to Pearl. Hester realizes what Pearl represents when she does not hold Pearl up in front of the &8220A. She carries the child around because it is a direct reflection of her sin. Hester is, &8220wisely judging that one token of her shame would but poorly serve to hide another (Hawthorne 48). Dimmesdale&8217s sin is not adultery but not having the courage to accept that he had adulterated. Th erefore his is a &8220concealed sin. The scarlet letter amuses Pearl, and too controls her behavior. It is noted that, Pearl has been described in terms almost only if of uncontrolled, chaotic passion (MacLean 54). Throughout the novel Pearl is attracted to the &8220A. Even when she is good a baby, &8220her infant&8217s eyes had been caught by the glimmering of the money embroidery about the letter (Hawthorne 90). When Pearl is older and Hester throws the letter on the ground, Pearl yells at her mother until she places the &8220A back on her bosom.