What does pearl symbolize in the scarlet letter?
Pearl is a sort of living version of her mother’s scarlet letter. She is the physical consequence of sexual sin and the indicator of a transgression. She represents not only “sin” but also the vital spirit and passion that engendered that sin.
What does water symbolize in the scarlet letter?
Hawthorne uses water to symbolize the spirit of both Hester and of Pearl. The sea symbolizes Hester, as the narrator says, “But the sea heaved, swelled and foamed, very much at its own will, or subject only to the tempestuous wind, with hardly any attempts at regulation by human law” ( 219).
What does Hester say about this symbol on Pearl?
But despite repeated questions by Pearl, Hester says she wears the letter for “the sake of the gold thread” — the first time she had “been false to the symbol on her bosom.” Pearl is not satisfied and continues to question Hester until Hester threatens to shut Pearl in a dark closet.
What does pearl symbolize how is her name significant?
From the very first time we see Pearl she symbolises adultery. The name “Pearl” comes from Hester as a reminder of her sin: “But she named the infant ‘Pearl’ as being of great price,–purchased with all she had,–her mother’s only treasure!” (Hawthorne 168).
What does the sunshine symbolize in The Scarlet Letter Chapter 16?
Explain the significance of the sunlight imagery in chapter 16. It was a flickering gleam that could be seen but was always farther up the path than where Hester was walking. It represents happiness, goodness and purity. Hester can see these things, but are always out of reach due to her sin.
Is Pearl a symbol of sin or redemption?
Pearl is Hester’s daughter, as well as a symbol for sin and redemption. There’s a duality in Pearl’s existence, since she’s a living reminder and symbol for Hester’s adultery, her sin. But, she also represents Hester’s hope of redemption.
Why is Pearl called Pearl?
Pearl is a primarily feminine given name derived from the English word pearl, a hard, roundish object produced within the soft tissue of a living, shelled mollusk….Pearl (given name)
| Origin | |
|---|---|
| Word/name | English |
| Meaning | “pearl” |
| Region of origin | English |
What is the importance of Pearl in the Scarlet Letter?
The Scarlet Letter Hester’s daughter, Pearl, functions primarily as a symbol. She is quite young during most of the events of this novel—when Dimmesdale dies she is only seven years old—and her real importance lies in her ability to provoke the adult characters in the book.
What does the Scarlet Letter symbolize in the Scarlet Letter?
The scarlet letter matures into a symbol of Hester’s perseverance, while Pearl continues to enhance herself as a subject of Hester’s past indiscretions. It is clear that Pearl is as much a blessing to Hester as she is a wicked reminder of the past.
Why does Hester dress up pearl like the Scarlet Letter?
Pearl is “the scarlet letter, only capable of being loved, and so endowed with a millionfold the power of retribution…” (p64) As a symbol of her sin, Hester dresses up Pearl to look nice just like she does to the scarlet letter itself. This is Hester’s way of overcoming her tribulation, she is, nevertheless, constantly aware of her shortcomings…
What does Pearl symbolize in the scarlet ibis?
Pearl is a living symbol, the physical embodiment of Hester and Dimmesdale ‘s sin. In Chapter 19, the narrator even calls Pearl a “living hieroglyphic.” Yet Pearl, from her name to her comfort with nature, is also the most pure character in the novel.