The Symbolism Of Truth In The Scarlett Letter By Nathaniel Hawthorne

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Brazilian author Paulo Coelho once wrote, "We can 't choose our lives, but we can decide what to do with the joys and griefs we are given." In the novel The Scarlet Letter, written by Nathaniel Hawthorne, the current society excommunicates those who they deemed more sinful than others. At the time, one of the most scandalous sins was adultery. Hester Prynne was among those who were cast out of society due to their sinful deeds, her’s being of the “worse”. In result, her daughter Pearl was one of the constant reminders of what she had done. In this novel, Pearl symbolises truth in the form of Hester 's sin, her biological father, and the grace that has yet to come. One way Pearl symbolises the truth in Hester’s crime is her constant reminder …show more content…
The reader can take away the division between Pearl’s position in society as well as her mother’s life. The author shows many examples on how Hester’s daughter is an outcome of something dirty and sinful but also in a silver lining, she is perceived as something God has given her, for it was thought to have been conceived in love and not in lust. Even though Pearl was thought to be a disgrace to the world, she was the truth that was needed to be seen by both her parents and society. Another way Pearl symbolizes the truth is by helping the realization of her biological father, also known as Hester 's infamous lover, come to light. “‘Dost thou know, child, wherefore thy mother wears this letter?’ ‘Truly do I!’ answered Pearl, looking brightly into her mother 's face. ‘It is for the same reason that the minister keeps his hand over his heart!’” (Hawthorne 167)
In this quote, Pearl was giving a vague glimpse to her mother on the suspicion she had about reverend Dimmesdale and their connection. Through this, the truth is foreseen as they continue to question who Pearl’s father actually
…show more content…
Pearl was not only alive, but married, and happy, and mindful of her mother; and that she would most joyfully have entertained that sad and lonely mother at her fireside.” (Hawthorne 246)
Pearl became the base of hope to her mother as she created a sustainable lifestyle for herself as she grew older. This view of the symbol portrays Hawthorne’s theme by showing how something so “exceptionally” bad can turn into something wonderful. The reader can see how even though Pearl might have been a burden to her mother’s soul in the beginning, she later made her stronger and more hopeful in the outcomes of both of their lives. In conclusion, the symbol Pearl obtained in this riveting novel can be understood universally with an open mind. In The Scarlet Letter, written by Nathaniel Hawthorne, Pearl is the symbol of truth that is shown through her mother’s sin, the name of her biological father, and for the hope that is in their future. This symbol can be analyzed and understood by observing the good in things that seem to be bad and by pushing through the dark meanings and reaching the

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