Pearl's Effect On Her Mother

Pearl is Hester's living reminder of the sin she has committed. Pearl is not only a strange child with sometimes seemingly evil characteristics, but she emphasizes the significance of the scarlett letter on her mother's chest. Pearl is constantly pointing out, touching, or talking about the scarlet A that Hester is forced to wear. This puts additional emotional strain on Hester because it hurts her that the scarlet letter is not only obvious to the entire town of Boston, but also to her daughter. In a way, it makes sense that Pearl would be so focused on the scarlet letter because if it was not there, Pearl would not be there either. The scarlet letter and Pearl work almost as one, which is why I think Pearl pitched a fit in the forest when Hester removed the letter. Pearl has a childlike curiosity about the letter, but her constant questions do not make life easier for Hester. Pearl sometimes mocks her mother because of the letter, and this hurts Hester, but strangely makes Pearl very happy. Citizens of Boston almost flinch away from the scarlet letter, and they seem to have somewhat of the same reaction towards Pearl, calling her a child of the devil. Pearl and the letter are both beautiful, contrasting to what they symbolize (both are a production of adultery). Hester loves her little girl, but at times I think she almost fears Pearl's advanced mind and her elfish and sometimes creepy ways.