“...Every woman has the right to become herself and do whatever she needs to do.” (Ani DiFranco). Feminism is the belief that women and men should have equal rights and opportunities. In puritan times women were thought as lesser than men. The purposes women had were to raise children and give them morals and values of life. The Scarlet Letter is a feminist novel because it demonstrates the strength and self determination of a woman in an oppressive society.
Not many puritan women contemplate about their place in society, yet it invades Hester’s thoughts in chapter 13. For example, “Indeed, the same dark question often rose into her mind with reference to whole race of womanhood.” (162). It was uncommon for Hester; a woman of the mid-seventeenth century to have progressive feminist thoughts. Another example of her feminist thoughts, “As a first step, the whole system of society is to be torn down and built up anew.” (162). Hester recognizes the hypocrisy there is in the puritan society, but also realizes that women should be treated equally with men. In the same way she
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For example, “Thus the young and pure would be taught to look at her, with the scarlet letter…once been innocent…the reality of sin.” (76). In the puritan ways, Hester’s sin is breaking societal rules. One example of women seeking Hester’s help is, “Women, more especially-in the continually recurring trials of wounded...come to Hester’s cottage.” (258). Hester is a counselor to these women. She listens to their problems and dedicates her life to helping others. The strength of her character is demonstrated here, “ ‘Able’; so strong was Hester Prynne, with a woman’s strength” (158). Hester’s determination to change for the better, is what changes the way the scarlet letter is perceived. Just as the scarlet letter changes the puritan society and the way women are identified