Scarlet Letter; Pg. 56-72

"the stranger had bent his eyes on Hester Prynne. It was carelessly at first, like a man chiefly accustomed to look inward, and to whom external matters are of little value and import, unless they bear relation to something within his mind" (57).

It is pretty obvious that this 'stranger' is Hester's baby daddy. He is purposely referred to as a stranger because noone in town knows who Hester's baby daddy is, except Hester. Apparently, Hester is acquainted with this stranger and this quote has made clear that their bond is tied internally. This makes perfect sense since they must continue to conceal his identity. As for his initial glance at Hester as if he did not know her, he is simply playing the part. He would raise suspicion among the townspeople because he was unknown to everyone else so if he acknowledged her anymore than he did, people would probably suspect that he was her child's father.

"'Wondrous strength and generosity of a woman's heart! She [Hester] will not speak!'" (64).

At first, it was unclear as to why Hester was concealing the name of her baby daddy. She is facing humiliating punishment and her strength is shown through her fortitude. She is able to endure these conditions all by herself despite the fact that someone else was involved in her sin-doing. She is also generous, because she chooses not to give the person's name ultimately saving them from punishment. Her ability to do this shows that she has much character. I think her strength and generosity comes from her belief that she can only speak on her sins, similar to John Proctor. They even offer to eradicate the scarlet letter from her bosom but she refuses, because she knows that she is not free from sin. She understands what she has done is wrong which is why she is willing to bear the consequences alone.