The story displays some of the darkest elements of the human soul: guilt, revenge, and evil. ... Pearl delights in the scarlet letter and enjoys emphasizing the symbol on her mother's breast. ... Pearl is a symbol in the story; she is Hester's salvation, pride, and joy, and also acts as an eternal reminder of Hester's sin. ... "And there stood the minister, with his hand over his heart; and Hester Prynne, with the embroidered letter glimmering on her bosom; and little Pearl, herself a symbol, and the connecting link between those two. ...

• Word Count: 3653
• Approx Pages: 15
• Grade Level: High School