Hester's Public Exposure on the Scaffold

Hester Prynne emerges from the prison carrying her infant daughter, Pearl, and wearing the scarlet letter 'A' embroidered on her breast. She ascends the scaffold in the marketplace, enduring the stares and jeers of the crowd. The women in the crowd discuss her punishment harshly, but Hester maintains a haughty dignity. The scene establishes her public shame and the mystery of her fellow sinner's identity.