1. Confess Her Adultery: They demand that Hester publicly acknowledge her sin of adultery and reveal the identity of her child's father. They believe public confession and repentance are essential for her spiritual salvation and as an example to others in the community.
2. Wear the Scarlet Letter: As a form of punishment and stigma, Hester is required to wear the scarlet letter ''A'' (for ''adulteress'') sewn visibly on her bosom during her confinement as well as for the rest of her life. The purpose is to mark her as a moral outcast and constant reminder of her fall from grace.
3. Perform Public Penance: In addition to wearing the scarlet letter, Hester must stand three hours on a scaffold as public penance to symbolize her wrongdoing before the people of Boston.
4. Repent and Reform: It is expected that Hester's experience of punishment and humiliation can lead to genuine repentance, remorse, and the eventual reformation of her character.