The Pearl as a Symbol in The Scarlet LetterIn Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, Pearl is a symbol of sin and adultery in the sense that she leads Dimmsdale and Hester to their confession and acceptance of their sins. A beautiful daughter of the town adulturist sometimes has demon-like features. She is also the only living symbol of the scarlet letter “A”. In another way, Pearl also establishes a connection between Dimmsdale and Hester. Initially, Pearl is the symbol of Hester's public punishment for her adultery. As the novel progresses and Pearl matures, she symbolizes Hester's deterioration by constantly asking her questions about the scarlet letter "A". Pearl, in a sense, wants her mother to live up to her sin and she achieves this by constantly asking her questions about the scarlet letter. Another piece of evidence that shows how Pearl symbolizes the sin Hester committed is when the town government wants to take Pearl away from her. Reverend Dimmsdale convinces the government that Pearl is a living reminder of their sin. It's essentially true, Hester without Pearl is like having Hester without sin. The pearl is not only a symbol of Hester but also a symbol of Dimmsdale. Pearl won't let him into her life until he accepts his sin. She wants him as a father but won't let him until he hides his sin in public. Pearl knows that Dimmsdale won't be seen holding her hand in the public eye and that bothers her. She asks her mother, “Will you promise to hold my mother’s hand and your mother’s hand tomorrow?” » (105) As we come to the end of the story, Dimmsdale confesses his sin and he experiences a feeling of happiness and inner peace almost immediately. Pearl longed for her love and affection from the audience and in the final scenes she receives it..