disgraceful act, but to commit adultery in a Boston colony during

the 1700's was inexcusable, and customarily punished by death.

However, in Hester's case, the town felt pity for her on account

of her daughter Pearl who is just 3 months old when the novel

opens, so Hester was pardoned of death and instead sentenced to

wear a bold red A on her bosom at all times. Even though wearing

the letter was a great deal better than being put to death, the

shame and disgrace that Hester felt was still grievous. Wearing

the A was one of the main detrimental consequences Hester was

faced with. Wearing the a meant mean the world she lived in would

see "adultery" before seeing her. They would never know her

heart. Another consequence that even the puritans didn't see was

the loneliness Hester...