As punishment for her crime, Hester Prynne had to wear a red letter A on her robe. At first, the symbol of shame removed the young woman from her community but, with time, it gave her strength and freedom. By following the lives of Hester, little Pearl, Roger Chillingworth and Reverend Dimmesdale, Hawthorne presents the beliefs of the severe Puritans and describes life in 17th century New England.