(TS) The sunshine and shadow motif in The Scarlet Letter, written by Nathaniel Hawthorne, represents how darkness symbolizes shame, sin, and disgrace, and how sunshine symbolizes purity, innocence, and reveals sin. (Major A) Midway through the book, darkness is utilized to describe how, if it weren't for Pearl, Hester would fall even further from grace. (Minor 1) Reverend Dimmesdale expresses his thoughts to the governor of how ."..[Pear] was meant, above all things else, to keep the mother's soul alive, and to preserve her from darker depths of sin." (102) (Minor 2) The Reverend believes that Pearl brings love and innocence to Hester's life, and without her, Hester would become a darker, more sinful human being. (Minor 3) Dimmesdale goes on to express how Pearl is there to remind Hester of her fall into darkness, but also to teach her that if she raises the child to heaven...