Student Question
What is the symbolism of Hester's child's name in The Scarlet Letter?
Quick answer:
Pearl's name in The Scarlet Letter symbolizes both a precious treasure and the cost of Hester's sin. Biblically, Pearl refers to the "pearl of great price," indicating Hester's high value of her daughter. However, like a real pearl formed by an irritant, Pearl represents the disruption Hester caused in Puritan society. She embodies beauty and unpredictability, challenging Hester's salvation and societal norms, much like the luxurious and vain nature of pearls.
In the beginning of chapter VI, the very first paragraph in fact, Hester's daughter is named and explicitly discussed. Hester names her daughter Pearl ; but as the narrator explains, the name does not signify anything calm, pure, or "unimpassioned" (43). The biblical reference of the name Pearl suggests that Hester valued her daughter like a precious treasure. That value and loyalty is later called into question as the elders of the community seek to take Pearl away from Hester in order to give the young girl a better upbringing than they figured a single mother could give. Hester, however, proves her loyalty to her daughter by arguing with them to keep her daughter in her care. The elders agree as long as Pearl is brought up as a member of the communal religion and accomplishes specific tasks such as communion. So, by defintion, Pearl is a treasure to...
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her mother but does not act like a pearl by merely sitting quietly by and looking pretty for everyone to admire. In fact, Pearl is unpredictable in personality as well as beautiful to look at.
There are religious meanings in this book that focus on sin and suffering and the choices that people make and how it affects their eternal salvation.
In the Puritan theology, or beliefs, people are either saved, intended for salvation or they are not. Salvation would be very important to all Puritans including Hester and Arthur.
The name Pearl is symbolic, as in pearl of great price. This reference can be found in the Bible, Matthew 13:45-46.
"Even the use of "seeking" (Matthew 13:45) helps to identify the merchant as Christ because it means "to depart from one place and arrive at another." Jesus did this Himself to pay the price of the pearl. He departed from heaven and arrived on earth to complete His mission."
The child, Pearl, has brought Hester to a new place, her salvation is in question.
Pearl, her daughter, has cost Hester dearly, including, possibly her chance at salvation.
Hester probably considers Pearl beautiful and rare, just like real pearls. Puritans also considered pearls as a luxury and vanity. Hester and Dimsdale sinned when they had an affair, and Pearl is the result of that luxury and vanity.
Pearl are created by an irritant entering an oyster, usually a piece of sand or grit. Hester was the irritant thrust into the oyster that was the Puritan society. She "spoke out" via her affair with Dimsdale. The result is Pearl.