Discussion Questions

The Interview
1. Since Hester did not seem bothered by the shame, and punishment forced upon her in the earlier chapters, why do you think she suddenly feels so depressed when the doctor comes to visit her? Does he have any influence on her behavior?
2. Why do you that Robert is still motivated to identify the baby's father instead of leaving Hester, regardless of knowing that she cheated on him? Do you think he has an alterior motive?

Hester At Her Needle
1. On page 71, do you think the author exagerated the burden Hester would carry if she refused to reveal the father's name as a warning to the other women? Or is it more of a warning to Hester of her future misery?
2. Does Hester hope that she may have a future at a real relationship with her child's father, or is it all a delusion to her? Is that why she "looked the idea in the face, and hastened to bar it in its dungeon"(72)?

Pearl
1. Do you think Hester feels guilty that she brought Pearl into this world under unfavorable circumstances? Or does she feel sorry for the child to have to bear the sin that Hester brought into the family?
2. How does Pearl's disassociation with society, especially interacting with other children, affect her behavior?

The Governor's Hall
1. Is Hester's action to ask Governor Bellingham for assistance with her custody issues of Pearl justified with the fact that "an unequal match between the public, on the one side, and a lonely women"(91) would result in an unfair decision?
2. Do you think that Pearl understands the shame, and torture forced upon Hester, so she feels obligated to protect her mother, as she did on page 92, when she rebelled against the other children's harsh actions?