At the end of the chapter, Hester asks, "Why dost thou smile so at me?" Why do you think Roger Chillingworth is smiling at Hester in such a troubling time?

How does Roger feel about the incident between Hester and himself? Is he blaming himself? If so, why?

Chapter 5
Why does Hester feel so lonely? Is it due to the shame of what she did? The environment that she is surrounded by?

We see on page 77 that it is a form of "torture" when strangers state at the scarlet letter. Why is this torture to Hester?

Chapter 6
Compare and contrast Pearl and her mother. What similarities do you see in their current circumstances? Any differences?

On page 88, Pearl says, "I have no Heavenly Father!" What might this symbolize? How does it relate to Pearl's circumstances and her personality?

Chapter 7
Do you see any comparisons between Pearl and the scarlet letter? Where?

On page 93, Hester says, "Thou must gather thine own sunshine. I have none to give thee!" What does sunshine symbolize here?