The Scarlet Letter Practice Test 2026 - Free Literature Practice Questions and Study Guide

During the Governor’s visit, Hester delivers a pair of gloves she has sewn for him. This gesture uses her needlework as a tangible demonstration of her skill, usefulness, and willingness to contribute to public life, which she hopes will sway the Governor to show mercy and keep Pearl with her. The gloves symbolize more than a simple gift—they embody her careful effort to present herself as a capable, responsible mother and member of the community, not just a repentant sinner. The other options don’t fit the moment: a loaf of bread would be a charitable aid unrelated to the custody discussion; Pearl is a person, not an object to hand to the Governor; a scroll of fashion isn’t something that appears in that scene.