What makes a feminist? Merriam-Webster defines feminism as the theory of equality of the sexes, as well as organized activity on behalf of women 's rights and interests. Hester Prynne of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel The Scarlet Letter theorizes feminist concepts, but she does not have the conviction to solidify her feminist epiphany. She is not a modern feminist. Despite the fact that she recognizes the flaws of Puritan society and its treatment of women, she does not speak out for women’s rights. It is her lack of decisiveness and her inability to advocate societal change that categorizes her as unlike a feminist of today.
The roles of women in Puritan society are oppressive and limiting of a woman 's ability to succeed. Society
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When magistrates threaten to take away Pearl, Hester pleads for Dimmesdale’s good word to decide her fate as a mother. Hester begs him to “speak thou for [her]!”, for he “wast [her] pastor,” he “hadst charge of [her] soul” (103). Her word is undervalued in comparison to Dimmesdale, to the extent that she cannot win a custody battle over her own daughter. Without the interjection of a man, Hester’s attempts are fruitless, as a woman who holds no power and has no say. Women’s roles are definitive and any deviation from them is dangerous. Mistress Hibbins, described as “bitter-tempered” (106). In the same sentence, it is revealed that she is later “executed as a witch” (106), drawing the conclusion her crabbiness is synonymous as a witch according to Puritan society. She does not embody the traditional feminine role, and is consequently vilified by society. With the label of ‘witch,’ it is impossible to advance past the negative association. Hester speaks of the scarlet letter and its effects on her and the way society perceives her. She is “repulsive” to the Puritan society that rejects her, the “attractiveness of her person [undergoing] a similar change” (148). Her personal choices lead to public shame, consequently leading to