What do you make of the militarism associated with the Puritans? How does this affect their spirituality? Does this align with any of the themes of the short story?

Describe the various punishments of the Merry Mounters as decreed by Endicott. Do these punishments seem fitting or severe within the context of the story? Why do you think some characters, like Edith and Edgar, are seemingly without punishment while other characters, like the man in the bear costume, are sentenced to death?

How does power play a role in the story? Think of the various kinds of power a person might have—physical, psychological, intellectual, or otherwise. Who has power, and does this possession of power change as the narrative develops?