Hester is guilty of the "sin" of adultery. As punishment, is forced to stand on a platform in the town square, an example and a spectacle, for all to see. Thereafter, she is forced to affix a bright, red letter "A" which identifies her at all times to the community, to strangers, and to herself. The "A" brands her and never lets anyone forget her sin against both man and God.
The sentence, and the reaction by the majority of the community, is expressed Chapter Two, "The Recognition." A townsman delivers the news. Though some argue Hester should have been executed, the elders,
"...in their great mercy and tenderness of heart, they have doomed Mistress Prynne to stand only a space of three hours on the platform of the pillory, and then and thereafter, for the remainder of her natural life, to wear a mask of shame on her bosom."
"A wise sentence!" remarked a stranger, gravely bowing his head. "Thus she will be a living sermon against sin, until the ignominious letter be engraved on her tombstone."
Although Hester certainly did not commit her "crime" alone, her partner has escaped similar humiliation and punishment, a fact not lost on the stranger. He says,
"It irks me, nevertheless, that the partner of her iniquity should not, at least, stand on the scaffold by her side. But he will be known! -- he will be known! -- he will be known!"
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