Here's a breakdown of how he describes her:
* Pearl's Beauty: She is described as "a beautiful child, with the brightest eyes and the merriest laugh" but also "with an aspect strangely penetrating, and an intelligence that seemed to have been developed and sharpened by the continual observation of her own singular and unaccountable position."
* Pearl's Wildness: Her clothing is described as "wild" and "gorgeous" but also "inappropriate" and "out of place" for the Puritan society. This reflects her wild spirit and the fact that she is considered an outcast.
* The Symbolism of Pearl's Clothing: The color scarlet is used often to describe Pearl's clothing, further linking her to the scarlet letter worn by her mother, Hester. This reinforces the idea that Pearl is a living embodiment of Hester's sin and the societal consequences of it.
Hawthorne emphasizes that Pearl is a complex and fascinating character, not simply a product of sin but also a symbol of defiance, beauty, and a powerful connection to nature. Her clothing, a reflection of her personality, adds another layer of complexity to her character, simultaneously captivating and unsettling the Puritan community.