The Scarlet Letter & symbolism with Pearl?

Question

I have to write and essay and I need some help. THe Essay Topic is : "What does Pearl symbolize, and where and how does Hawthorne develop her symbolism?"

I'm kind of stuck. I have come up with 3 possible symbols:

She either stands for the Scarlet Letter, Sin, or Punishment for Hester's Sin.

Now I need your opinions, Which one do you agree with, and if you could please give some examples for whichever you choose. You don't need to be exact, you can just paraphrase.

Thanks for everything.

Answer 1

Pearl represents the consequences of sin
Actually that’s obvious, isn’t it?
And look how Pearl sort of spins out of control.
Instead of being just a lovable child, she is a sort of demon with a mind of her own. Look at the scenes with Pearl and how Pearl points out sin, such as being under the window with Dimmes and Chill inside.

(My favorite scene with Pearl.
Chapter 10. Chill is grilling Dimees inside the house.
Note the paragraph maybe 2/3 thru:
“The child probably overheard their voices...”)

So therefore, you might say, the consequences of sin are unpredictable as Pearl is unpredictable.

An interesting point you might want to throw in:

Dimmesdale too represents the consequences of sin. Note how he grows sicker and sicker as Chillingworth zero’s in on his prey. Look at that great scene, where Dimmesdale “outs” himself at night in the public square. His sickness and his guilt, too, are the consequences of sin..

Compare and contrast how both Pearl and Dimmesdale represent the consequence of sin. Now THAT would be an interesting essay.

Answer 2

If you came up with that symbolism all on your own than do NOT take these peoples answers. Read the book and come up with your own.

Answer 3

i really believe the name Pearl signifies the love that they had for one another. a pearl is very beautiful and rare.
Hester loved him so very much and out of that love produced a "pearl".