The Scarlet Letter

Symbolism is the practice of representing things by symbols. The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, is a book of much symbolism. Set in 17th century New England, the book starts with the public punishment of Hester Prynne, a convicted adulterer. One of the most complex and misunderstood symbols in the book is Hester’s illegitimate daughter, Pearl. Throughout the story, she develops into a dynamic symbol - one that is always changing. Pearl represents her …showed first 75 words of 454 total…

…showed last 75 words of 454 total…of the scarlet letter; and, of a truth, moreover, there is the likeness of the scarlet letter running along by her side!” In conclusion, Pearl was a source of many different kinds of symbolism. From being a rose, to representing the scarlet letter “A”, she was a burden, yet consolation for Hester. And as a final note, Pearl was more then her mother’s only treasure; she was her mother’s only source of hope.