Hester lived on the outskirts of town because of her public shaming and her status as an outcast due to her adultery. The townspeople wanted to distance themselves from her sin and shame, so she was relegated to the outskirts as a form of punishment and to serve as a constant reminder of her transgression.
Hester came to be seen by townspeople as an adulteress after she was publicly shamed for having a child out of wedlock. This happened when she was forced to wear the scarlet letter "A" on her chest as punishment for her sin.
Hester decides to stay close to her town because she feels a sense of obligation and responsibility towards the community that she has affected. She also wants to continue to play a role in her daughter's life and be present for her as she grows up. Lastly, Hester finds purpose in her isolation and redemption in staying close by to face the consequences of her actions.
The stranger learns that Hester Prynne, the woman standing in front of the crowd, committed adultery and bore a child out of wedlock. The townsman reveals that Hester's husband, who had been missing, will likely arrive in town soon.
Hester evades Pearl's questions about the "black man," refusing to confirm or deny if she has met him. Hester's responses to Pearl are ambiguous, as she tries to protect her daughter from the truth about her involvement with the mysterious figure.
Approximately 24,000 people live in Purley, a town in South London, England.
She lives outside the town with her daughter, Pearl.
Hester plans to meet Dimmesdale in the forest outside of town. This secluded and natural setting allows them to have a private and intimate conversation away from the judgmental eyes of society.
Hester becomes something of a novelty in town. Her needlework becomes sort of Puritan trendy. Her work for the poor becomes the stuff of legend around town. She sews pretty much for free. Hester takes her penance humbly which goes over well in town. Hester's "A" becomes known as "able" rather than adulterer.
A town outside of Rochester NY
Arthur viewed the people saw him as an adulterer after the meeting with Hester.
Hester and Arthur had planned to escape to Europe, where they could start anew and live without the public shame and judgment they faced in their current town. They intended to take a ship and leave their past behind, hoping to find a better life away from their current community.
Boston
She Committed Adultery
He doesn't live in the city. He lives outside the town Froks, by the forest.
In a small cottage in Boston.:]
Hester decides not to leave town because she believes it is her duty to stay and face her punishment for her sin. Additionally, she is determined to raise her daughter Pearl and believes that leaving would not be in Pearl's best interest. Hester also sees an opportunity for redemption and self-growth by staying in town and confronting the consequences of her actions.
Hester Prynne and Pearl live in a small cottage on the outskirts of the Puritan town in Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel "The Scarlet Letter." They live in relative isolation, away from the strict societal norms and judgments of the townspeople.