The Scarlet Letter Symbolic Characters Essay Research — страница 2

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accept her. ?…the mother forest, and these wild things which it nourished, all recognized a kindred wildness in the human child.? (p. 188) Nature recognizes in Pearl a wildness. Also, Pearl?s character is described as developing, ?…the steadfast principles of an unflinching courage, ?an uncontrollable will, ?a sturdy pride…? (p. 165) All of these characteristics relate to sin, especially sin that is not recognized. While committing the sin, a person has strong will, pride, and courage just like Pearl does. Pearl is wild and passionate. Also, when the sin is discovered, Pearl?s character changes dramatically. Before, Pearl had been wild and almost insensitive, when her father, Arthur, finally admits he is Pearl?s father and is dying, Pearl changes. Pearl kissed his lips. A

spell was broken. The great scene of grief, in which the wild infant bore a part, had developed all her sympathies; and as her tears fell upon her father?s cheek, they were the pledge that she would grow up amid human joy and sorrow, nor forever do battle with the world, but be a woman in it. (p. 233)Pearl is not wild after this experience. Instead she is sensitive and calm. As soon as Pearl, or the sin, is acknowledged she is no longer wild and passionate but controlled, calm, and happy. Pearl is the symbol of hidden sin. Pearl, the kind woman, and Roger are all symbolic in the novel. Each character?s symbolism adds a deeper meaning to the book and allows for more strong themes to be created or interpreted in the novel.