Symbolism In The Scarlet Letter The Scarlet Letter is a book of much symbolism. One of the most complex and misunderstood symbols in the book is Pearl, the daughter of Hester Prynne. Pearl, throughout the story, develops into a dynamic symbol, one that is always changing. In the following essay, I will explore some of the symbolism, which Pearl came to represent throughout the novel. In The Scarlet Letter, Hester, for her sins, received a scarlet letter, "A" which she had to wear upon her chest. This was the Puritan way of treating her as a criminal, for the crime of adultery “ ‘ At the very least, they should have put the brand of a hot iron on Hes