The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne shows how one sin affects the lives of three people. When Hester and Dimmesdale committed their sinful act of love, Pearl was born. Pearl symbolizes a sin, a secret, and a connection .

Pearl symbolizes a sin. "It seemed to be her first impulse to clasp the infant closely to her bosom...as that she might conceal a certain token...wisely judging that one token of her shame would but poorly serve to hide another" (Hawthorne 50). This quote by the narrator shows that people would know of Hester's sin by seeing Pearl. She tries to cover up what she has done, but she realizes that Pearl is the result of this sin. Every time Dimmesdale sees Pearl he remembers that he has sinned. He feels guilty. When the townspeople see Pearl they know that she was born by adultery. They are reminded that...