Pearl is not meant to be a realistic character. Rather, she is a complicated symbol of an act of love and passion, an act which was also adultery. She appears as an infant in the first scaffold scene, then at the age of three, and finally at the age of seven
Hester had to let down her hair and remove her scarlet letter in order for Pearl to come across the brook to join her. This moment symbolizes a rare instance of freedom and authenticity for Hester in the novel.
Realising that Pearl misses the scarlet letter, which Hester has always worn in her presence. Hester picks up the letter and pins in back on her dress. Pearl then crosses the brook and hugs her mother tightly.
The fact that Hester would constantly remind Pearl of the consequences of sin is what convinced the governor to let Hester keep Pearl. Hester supported herself and Pearl by sewing garments.
If Pearl had been taken away from Hester in "The Scarlet Letter," it would have compounded Hester's isolation and loneliness. Pearl is not only Hester's daughter but also her source of love and connection to the world. Losing Pearl would have intensified Hester's feelings of guilt and shame, making her punishment even more severe.
Pearl was a demon child she would have to be taken for Hester's sake and the other reason was that if Pearl was a human child then she should be taken for her own good to have a better mother than Hester.
Hester used her embroidery skills to support herself and Pearl. She would sew anything for anyone who asked, but she was not allowed to make bridal garments.
Dimmesdale argues that it would be better for Pearl to stay with her mother, Hester, because he believes that Hester has the ability to provide love and care for their daughter in a way that he cannot due to his position in the community as a revered minister. He also believes that Hester's influence will help shape Pearl's character positively.
Chillingworth took the side of advocating for Pearl to be taken away from Hester, believing it would be a way to extract revenge on both Hester and Dimmesdale for their affair and betrayal. He saw this as a way to inflict maximum suffering on Hester.
Dimmesdale argues that Hester should be allowed to keep Pearl because she has shown remorse for her sin, the child could be a blessing in her life, and separating them would not benefit anyone. He believes that by allowing Hester to raise Pearl with love and care, both of them have the potential for redemption and a chance for a better future.
Dimmesdale refuses to promise Pearl that he will publicly acknowledge her as his daughter and herself as her father. He is hesitant to make this promise because it would require him to publicly confess his sin of adultery, which he is not yet ready to do.
Hester believed that Pearl needed love and a sense of connection to others in order to humanize her and cultivate the capacity for sympathy. Hester hoped that by experiencing genuine care and empathy from those around her, Pearl would learn to understand and empathize with the emotions of others.
Hester decides not to leave town because she believes it is her duty to stay and face her punishment for her sin. Additionally, she is determined to raise her daughter Pearl and believes that leaving would not be in Pearl's best interest. Hester also sees an opportunity for redemption and self-growth by staying in town and confronting the consequences of her actions.