1.compare the attitudes of the women in the market place towards Hester's punishment. do the men treat her too kindly with their punishment? 2. what feelings and memories does Hester experience as she stands on the scaffold?

The women detest Hester for her sin. At the same time, they secretly long for the sort of freedom that Hester exudes. The women think Hester should suffer more for her sins. Although Hester was being punished, I think the men are drawn to the forbiddenness of Hester's sexuality. In their hearts they marvel at the statuesque Hester and covet the idea of her compared to their own tedious marriages.