"Hester Prynne is a single mother devoted to the child who personifies the scarlet letter: part symbol, part consolation, and part terror...Hester is a quiet rebel whose isolation grants her a certain freedom of thought, particularly concerning the plight of women." This quote, said by Brenda Wineapple, is about Hester Prynne, who is one of the main characters in The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne. All the elements of the quote are true; Hester is dedicated to Pearl, who represents so many graces and misfortunes, and being detached from society gives Hester the freedom to contemplate her ideas, especially pertaining to woman's condition, that would normally be considered perverse.
             The relationship between Hester Prynne and her illegitimate daughter, Pearl, is extremely significant. It is unquestionable that Hester Prynne is devoted to Pearl. The way Hester pleads so touchingly for her when the governor tries to take her away proves this point. "'Ye shall not take her! I will die first!'" (pg. 100). This quote, said by Hester when she implores the governor to let her keep Pearl, shows just how important Pearl is to Hester. The reason it is so imperative for Pearl to be constantly at Hester's side is that she is the embodiment of the scarlet letter, which is essential to Hester's complete identity. The scarlet letter is the symbol that indicates the sin of adultery committed by Hester. Pearl is also a symbol of the sin, as she is the direct product of it. Hester realises this and unconsciously treats Pearl that way. An example of the way Hester compares Pearl to the scarlet letter is she dresses Pearl in red and gold, the same colours of the scarlet letter. Pearl and the scarlet letter almost define Hester's character. They are both a blessing and a curse, each in the same ways. The blessing that Pearl and the letter carry is that they are a source of comfort to Hester. "But she named the infant 'Pearl,' as being of great price...