Children are, by nature, incredibly sensitive creatures. They can sense almost any emotion an adult might feel just by observing a particular person's body language and facial expressions. Such is the case with the youthful Pearl from the novel The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorn. One of the most complex and elaborate characters in this novel is Pearl, the daughter of Hester Prynne and Arthur Dimmesdale. As the daughter of the adulteress Hester Prynne, the townspeople view Pearl as a demon in an angel's clothing; as an imp who not only knows exactly what the letter "A" signifies on the breast of her mother, but as the demon who placed it there as well. Pearl, throughout the story, develops into a dynamic individual, as well as an extremely important symbol- one who is constantly changing. Pearl is involved in a complex history, and as a result is viewed as different and is shunned because of her mother's sin. Pearl is a living Scarlet A to Hester, as well as the reader, acting as a constant reminder of Hester's sin. They believe Pearl uses this information against Hester by constantly mentioning the letter in order to make Hester extremely uncomfortable. This is not true.
             " 'Nay, Mother, I have told all I know,' said Pearl more seriously than she was wont to speak...'But in good earnest now, Mother dear, what does this scarlet letter mean? -and why dost thou wear it on thy bosom? -and why does the minister keep his hand over his heart?' She took her mother's hand in both her own, and gazed into her eyes with an earnestness that was seldom seen in her wild and capricious character..." (175).
             This dialogue does not seem to be the words of a demon, but a child who is utterly curious about what the letter on her mother's bosom means. One must not underestimate Pearl's intelligence though. In fact, Pearl is not the demon many consider her to be; instead she is intelligent an...