Final answer:
Hester's punishment is to wear the scarlet letter 'A' for adultery, and the Puritan magistrates aim to shame her and promote societal moral standards.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hester's punishment in the context of Puritan New England is to wear the scarlet letter 'A' on her breast, signifying her sin of adultery. The Puritan magistrates hope to accomplish both a punitive and a rehabilitative effect with this punishment. They want to shame Hester publicly and deter others from committing similar sins, while also prompting her to repent and return to the community's moral fold.
This public shaming is a widely recognized practice in Puritan society and is emblematic of their approach to punishment and rehabilitation. It is a reflection of the broader historical and cultural views on justice during that period, as seen in the stringent application of laws and the emphasis on public morality.
In attempting to make an example of Hester, Puritan authorities were following a belief system that closely linked the legal and moral orders. Actions like Hester's were not only violations against the social code but were also seen as threats to the societal and religious stability of the community.
The Puritans' approach to education and law, which is meant to promote a moral and orderly society, further underlines their efforts to maintain a strict moral code, and Hester's punishment serves as a testament to their unyielding adherence to these principles.