In The Scarlet Letter, what does Pearl represent? What is her role or contribution?

's role in
the novel is subject to much interpretation. Most obviously, to the Puritans she represented
sin, the physical proof of human sinfulness and moral frailty. Her presence brandedas much as
the scarlet letter she wore. However, Pearl (as well as her mother) were not considered to be
beyond spiritual redemption. Pearl's remaining with her mother was contingent upon Hester's
instilling in her the tenets of the church.

Hester's view of Pearl was
complex. Pearl was a reminder of Hester's spiritual downfall, but she was also a reminder of
Hester's love and passion for . Hester takes a secret pride in Pearl, defiantly dressing her in
bright colors. When alone in the forest with Dimmesdale, Hester expresses her love and joy in
their child. 

On another level, Pearl represents salvation for Hester, both
physically and spiritually. It is Pearl who keeps Hester "in life," and it is she who
keeps Hester from further moral downfall. This idea is expressed when Hester explains why she
should be allowed to keep her daughter.

Finally, Pearl represents the triumph
of love and goodness over hatred and evil. Through her mother's love and devotion, Pearl grows
into a strong young woman who moves on to live a good life in England. She inherits all of 's
estate, his acknowledgment that she had suffered as the result of his obsessive pursuit of
revenge against Pearl's father. Of the novel's four major , only Pearl was innocent, and
innocence is rewarded in the novel's conclusion.