“It was the scarlet letter in another form; the scarlet letter endowed with life!”
The “A” has many definitions. Hawthorne right now is saying that Pearl is the the scarlet letter in human form. Pearls is wearing a red satin dress with gold thread. The “A” is red surrounded with gold thread. Hawthorne says that, “she seemed the un-premeditated offshoot of a passionate moment.” Meaning that she was the un-planned result of Hester and Dimmsdales affair. The “A” is a result of that, and so is Pearl. Hester is comparing her affection and torture and guilt of the “A” and showing it with Pearl.
So "A" also means "Affection"? Interesting - does this relate to a theme?
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