The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne tells the story of Hester Prynne, who is forced to wear a scarlet "A" on her clothes as a punishment for committing adultery. Hester gives birth to Pearl, and they both face harsh judgment and assumptions from the Puritan community that sees them as evil due to Hester's affair. The story examines themes of judgment, assumption, and isolation as Hester and Pearl are ostracized by the townspeople despite not truly knowing them.