Pearl is a cheerful and unusual child. Much like the letter, she is a symbol of Hester's transgression, and therefore, she stands in opposition to the Puritan community she belongs to. She is a "wild child" who does not respect rules, and seems incapable of being dominated or socialized in the same way that other girls are. If there is one thing Hawthorne makes clear is that the Puritan community values rules highly, and does not appreciate individuality or rebelliousness. Therefore, Pearl is an outcast not only because of her illegitimate birth, but because her personality does not fit into the standards of behaviour of Puritan society.
