Chapter 22
The Public Holiday Mask
THE NEW ENGLAND HOLIDAY. Betimes in the morning of the day on which the new Governor was to receive his office at the hands of the people, Hester Prynne and little Pearl came into the market-place. It was already thronged with the craftsmen and other plebeian inhabitants of the town, in considerable numbers; among whom, likewise, were many rough figures, whose attire of deer-skins marked them as belonging to some of the forest settlements, which surrounded the little metropolis of the colony. On this public holiday, as on all other occasions, for seven years past, Hester was clad in a…
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Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Escape Route Vulnerabilities
Think of a major change you're considering (job switch, relationship change, moving, etc.). List three people who might have reasons to prevent or complicate this change. For each person, write down what information they might already have and what power they hold to interfere with your plans.
Consider:
- •Consider both obvious opponents and people who seem neutral but have hidden stakes
- •Think about information you've shared casually that could be used against your plans
- •Remember that people who benefit from the current situation rarely want it to change
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when someone anticipated your moves before you made them. What did you learn about planning versus executing major changes?
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