The <u>conference of governors</u> was held at the white house in 1908, and it was led by president Theodore Roosevelt. The focus of the conference was the <u>natural resources and their right use</u>.
The president began the conference with the speech <u>"Conservation as a National Duty"</u>. From this speech, we can quote "So great and so rapid has been our material growth that there has been a tendency to lag behind in spiritual and moral growth"; these words <u>support the inference</u> that Roosevelt believes that the focus on industrialization and accumulation has negatively affected the character of American citizens.
Pearl is a very conflicting character. Her attitude and actions can be interpreted in many different ways as she has a remarkably multi-faceted personality. We see she's a very special and intelligent child, but often her behavior shows glimpses of a darker side as she seems to hurt Hester's emotions on purpose at times. It'd be easy to interpret Pearl <u>as the personification of Hester's sin and a negative force in her life, like many leaders of the town do</u>. But we have to remember she's just a child, and ultimately ends up helping her mother to move on.
Hope this helps!
C. might be the correct answer.