mother s shame Symbol of Sin and Redemption Pearl represents both sin and salvation She constantly reminds Hester of her past but also gives her hope Hawthorne writes She is the scarlet letter only capable of being loved Pearl s curiosity and innocent questions about the letter A reveal truth others hide Though she was born out of sin she becomes a blessing When Dimmesdale confesses his guilt Pearl kisses him breaking the curse of secrecy Thus she transforms from a symbol of shame into one of grace and forgiveness A Free And Natural Spirit Pearl is a free wild child who loves nature She plays in the forest gathers flowers and dances in sunlight Her behavior is untamed but pure Unlike the strict Puritans she follows her heart She questions her mother about moral truths and shows insight beyond her years Through Pearl Hawthorne praises the power of natural truth over social hypocrisy Thus Pearl is the heart of The Scarlet Letter She stands for beauty truth and spiritual awakening Through her Hawthorne shows that love and purity can grow even from sin and suffering