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The Scarlet Letter is a book of much symbolism. One of the most complex and misunderstood symbols in the book is Pearl, the daughter of Hester Prynne. Pearl, throughout the story, develops into a dynamic symbol, one that is always changing. In the following es ....

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.... than just a physical token: he gave Hester the punishment of a very unique child which she named Pearl. This punishment handed down from God was a constant mental and physical reminder to Hester of what she had done wrong, and she could not escape it “ ‘Thou art not my child! Thou art no Pearl on mine!’ ” (pg.99) at times Hester would get frustrated. In this aspect, Pearl symbolized God’s way of punishing Hester for adultery. The way Hester’s life was ruined for so long was the ultimate price that Hester paid or Pearl. With Pearl, Hester’s life was one almost never filled with joy, but instead a constant nagging. Pearl wou ....