Final answer:
The Puritan setting of a story generally magnifies moral and societal conflicts, making (d) intensifying the conflict the correct option as it amplifies tension and consequences for characters' actions in such a strict environment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Puritan setting in the context of a literary work often serves to amplify the moral and societal tensions faced by the characters. In relation to the provided information, the Puritan setting advances the plot by intensifying the conflict. This setting, with its strict moral codes and judicial scrutiny, typically underscores the harshness of the consequences that befall those who stray from the accepted norms, as we see with Hester in The Scarlet Letter.
Through this backdrop, the writers create a palpable tension that both constrains and compels the characters, as seen in many historical accounts of the Puritan colonies and their struggles with dissent and the infamous Salem witch trials.
Additionally, the impact of a Puritan setting can be seen in other literary works, such as 'Life in the Iron Mills', where the juxtaposition against nature highlights the corruption of the human spirit under societal pressure.
Hence, the correct option that explains how the Puritan setting of the story advances the plot is (d) intensifying the conflict.