- 1
Why do you think the town holds out hope for Pearl, while they mock her at the same time?
Pearl is an enigma. She is difficult to understand, so the townspeople read into her character whatever they want to believe. At times she seems to be a devil child, and they fear her. But this is less powerful than the townspeople's scorn for the mother, in which case they fear for the child. Discuss how many things can be passed on from parent to child, including wealth, property, social status, and stigma.
- 2
What parallels are drawn between Pearl, the scarlet letter, and the red rose?
Pearl is called a "Red Rose" by Wilson when he first sees her. Even stronger is...
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