What does the small children think about doing to Hester and Pearl in chapter 7 of Scarlet Letter?

In Chapter 7 of *The Scarlet Letter*, the small children of Boston are depicted as being cruel and unforgiving towards Hester and Pearl. They are shown to be imitative of the adults, mirroring the prejudice and scorn directed at Hester.

Here's what the children think about doing to Hester and Pearl:

* They throw stones at them. This is a clear act of aggression, fueled by their animosity towards Hester and Pearl.

* They call Pearl names and mock her. This reflects the societal judgment placed upon Pearl as a result of her "illegitimacy."

* They make fun of Pearl's "wildness" and "oddness." Pearl's free-spirited nature is seen as a transgression, further ostracizing her from the community.

* They suggest burning Hester and Pearl. This demonstrates the intensity of their hatred and the desire for punishment, echoing the vengeful sentiment of the adults.

The children's actions are a reflection of the Puritan society's harshness and lack of understanding towards those who deviate from the norm. They are not necessarily malicious in their actions, but rather, they are products of their environment and the societal pressures they are exposed to.

This portrayal serves to highlight the destructive nature of societal judgment and the hypocrisy of a community that condemns sin but fails to offer compassion or understanding.