What are the ways that hester responds to the initial sin, and how does it shape her life?

Hester accepts her punishment with a humble resignation. She does not hide Pearl nor does she hide the letter on her bosom. Hester lives on the edge of town knitting for important people as well as charity. Hester bears her burden with a sense of humble piety that the villagers notice. In time the villagers begin to call Hester's "A" on her chest "able" instead of "adulteress".