This book made me emotional. Although it focuses mostly on religious hypocrisy, I loved the understated star-crossed lovers theme, too.
After a romantic affair with a local, idolized priest, Hester Prynne becomes pregnant and is scorned by her entire community. The townspeople don't know that the priest is the father of Hester's daughter, Pearl, and she chooses to keep it a secret to protect him. At first, her loyalty to him irritated me, but I quickly realized it was in her best interest. It wasn't ideal, but it made sense.
The novel does a great job of depicting how society picks and chooses who is worthy of forgiveness. For me, it had a satisfying ending and remains relevant even in modern society. It's a thinker.
For access to the discussion questions we used throughout the novel, click HERE.
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