The Scarlet Letter ~ Pearl

Pearl’s Green “A” When, in Chapter Fifteen, Pearl fashions her own “A” out of seaweed, she is oblivious to it’s meaning; however, she knows that it is significant. Pearl inquires as to what the letter means, but Hester refuses to explain and will not elaborate on its symbolism. Pearl has often been referred to as the living form of her mother’s scarlet letter. Pearl’s choice of live seaweed for the letter …

…living form of Hester’s sin, the seaweed is living also. In Pearl’s juvenile portrayal of her mother, she tries to imitate her mother’s appearance by decorating herself lavishly with the intent of drawing attention from the stoic Puritan society. The green color of the letter “A” is very prominent on Pearl’s dress. Her choice of seaweed for the material is also a symbol, as it is living and so is she.