Choose which of the following best describes the tone in the last sentence of chapter 1? (the scarlet letter) a. somber. b. ambivalent. c. sunny. d. bright.

"The Bundle of Sticks," and "Hofus the Stonecutter" are two stories that show men who are dissatisfied with what is happening in their environment and decide to improve them.

The father in "The Bundle of Sticks," is totally dissatisfied with his kids fighting all the time. So he decides to show them why they should stick together and not fight anymore. This father doesn't want riches, or to change his life completely, he just wants peace to reign in his home and unity prevail among his children, because that will do them good.

In contrast, Hofus in "Hofus the Stonecutter" is so dissatisfied with his life that he wants to completely change who he is, which he does several times, but never gets satisfaction. Hofus always thinks that the life of another being is better than his, but after becoming several different beings he realizes that there is nothing better than being himself.

We can see that the main difference between these two men is how they brought about changes in their lives. The father in "The Bundle of Sticks," brought about a change in the world around him, but remained true to what he believes in, reaching satisfaction. Hofus in "Hofus the Stonecutter" was totally unfaithful to himself and although he had every wish fulfilled, he was unable to satisfy himself.