Set in the mid-17th century in New England, The Scarlet Letter follows married Hester Prynne after she conceives a daughter through an affair. Societal standards of puritan New England force her to wear a scarlet "A" on her clothes as a constant reminder to her and everyone else of her past infidelity. Through the life of Hester and of her child, they both struggle through the overwhelming stigma behind Hester's adultery, and despite the mounting pressure, she refuses to name the father of her child.

Hawthorne paints an eye opening story of acceptance, shame, guilt, and fierce social ostracism surrounding one woman and the burden she bears in her life.