When Hester and Dimmesdale are waiting for Pearl to join them in the woods, Dimmesdale ponders "that this brook is the boundary between two worlds, and that [they] canst never meet Pearl again" (143). What do you think is the purpose of this metaphor, and why does Dimmesdale observe this? - Zach Lin (8th prd)

In chapter 20, on page 148, when Reverend Dimmesdale returns to the town after he makes plans with Hester to run away, it is described that "it was the same town as heretofore; but the same minister returned not from the forest." What brought about this change? Was the change good or bad? Why? How will this change in character affect his character from here on? - Mary (1st prd)

On page 145, Pearl had kissed her mother once she had put back on the Scarlet letter, Hawthorne then writes "But then-- by a kind of necessity that always impelled this child to alloy whatever comfort she might chance to give with a throb of anguish-- Pearl put up her mouth, and kissed the scarlet letter too!" What do you think is the reasoning behind this action? Does Pearl value the scarlet letter's presence just as much as her mother? (Destiny - 8th prd)


On pages 146 and 147, Hester and finds a crew and ship that will depart to England in a few days. Hester is planning on going to England with Pearl and Dimmsdale. Do you believe she is running away from her problems with him, or do you think what she is doing is beneficial for her as well as Pearl? - Lahari (3rd prd)

Group Guidance in Reber tomorrow

Finish the book  - chapters XXI-XXIV (155-180) - for Thursday and post one discussion question and respond to another (by 7am Thursday morning)