Based on chapter 4 of the scarlet letter, in the time period in which hester lived, a crime such as hers would bring dishonor to

The crime would bring dishonor to herself her husband, and her child. Hester committes the crime of adultry, while she is married to her husband Chillingsworth, she has sexual relations with another man ... "

Her punishment is forever. Her sin of adultery will continually push against her. Having the scarlet letter on her chest will always be a reminder of what she did wrong. also, everything the public has to say is judgmental towards her. She will have to deal with the criticism and shame for as long as she has the scarlet letter on her chest