Character Development: Pearl

Throughout the novel Pearl is viewed more as a symbol than a real character. She is the direct result of Hester and Dimmesdale's sin. So many would view her as a the result of a sin than a little girl. Like her mother, Pearl is also a social outcast in school. All the kids in school could tell that there is something wrong with Pearl and that makes her an outcast. Pearl possesses nearly all the charateristics of her mother. She is strong (internally), passionate and mishciefous just like her mother. It is unfortunate that she is viewed as symbol rather than a real human because of her illegitimate birth.