Pearls twilight nature in "The Scarlet Letter": Emblem of sin or self-fulfilling prophecy?

The character of Pearl in Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter stands out as a complex representation of identity and nature, embodying both demonic and ethereal qualities. Her existence prompts questions about humanity and guilt, not only from the Puritan society but also from her mother. The paper explores whether Pearl is merely a symbolic construct or if she reflects the genuine behavior of a child raised without strict authority. It challenges the reader to consider the depth of her character beyond her functional role in the narrative.