The Scarlett Letter- Blog 6

Symbols are very prevalent in Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlett Letter. One of the most obvious symbols- the actual scarlett letter itself- takes on a whole new meaning in this section of the novel. Early in the novel, we see it as Hester's reminder of her sin and the shame and guilt she holds on because of it. Now, we see the letter as something that Pearl has associated permanently with her mother. It is a part of Hester now. Then, not only is the symbol a huge part of this section, but Pearl's attitude and character change is interesting as well. First, she is picture as a beautiful, precious little girl. "And she was gentler here than in the grassy-margined streets of the settlement, or in her mother’s cottage." (Hawthorne 158). Then, suddenly, she is unable to recognize her mother without the "A" on her chest. "She accompanied this wild outbreak with piercing shrieks, which the woods reverberated on all sides; so that, alone as she was in her childish and unreasonable wrath". (Hawthorne 162). Pearl has been characterized previously as one who has great wisdom and knowledge for one so young. Is she wrong about Hester now? For now, Hester must remain bonded to the image that has defined her and captured her for the last 7 years.