The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne is categorized as a romance novel, some think of it as a feminist work. Nathaniel Hawthorne was very anti-feminist himself, viewing woman authors of his time as inferior. He also, in The Scarlet Letter made sexist comments such as “damned mob of scribbling woman”. Even though Hawthorne wasn’t a feminist at all, there were still feminist themes, especially in Hester’s character. Hester's character is a strong woman who cares deeply for those around her. Even when the book was written in 1850 having a female protagonist was rare.
Taking place in patriarcal 17th century Puritan Massachusetts, the whole premise of the novel is that Hester Prynne committed adultery. This leads to her being tormented and overall making her life more difficult. Hester exits her prison cell and with her baby in arms, a man offers his hand but she reject it. Hester is put on a stage and is humiliated in front of the town. The crowd shouted horrible things at her, that she should “have the brand of hot iron… (her) forehead”. The man Hester had an affair with, Arthur Dimmesdale, a highly respected member of the community is too cowardly to stand up for Hester as she faces public ridicule. Hester being the strong women that she is doesn’t
…show more content…
Hester becomes more like the rest of the Puritans. Hester Prynne was a loving and caring person who put others before herself constantly. Hester continues with her charity work and is well respected by the end of the novel. While all of this is going on, Arthur's mental health state is declining, because of the extreme guilt he feels. Hester she suggests that they move away together with Pearl. Hester would do anything for the people she loves. She had to be tenacious while Dimmesdale relies on her once again. Pearl doesn’t except Dimmesdale because he didn’t confess what he