Feminism in Hawthornes The Scarlet Letter Essay - 551 Words

Written in 1850, The Scarlet Letter stood as a very progressive book. With new ideas about women, main characters’ stories intertwined, and many different themes, The Scarlet Letter remains today as a extremely popular novel about 17th century Boston, Massachusetts. Not only was the 19th century a time for the abolition of slavery movement but it was also the beginning of the first wave of feminism. Women such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, and Lucretia Mott catalyzed the women’s rights movement. These prominent women believed that a woman’s role was no longer in the house and that women should be afforded the same opportunity as men. Nathaniel Hawthorne’s sympathy for women is evident in a feminist reading of his novel†¦show more content†¦Wilson’s question, a question testing Pearl’s religious knowledge and belief in god, exemplified her courage. An outspoken character, Pearl was beyond her age in knowledge as w ell as many other aspects. The fact that Hawthorne created this girl as an unyielding character illustrates his support for the feminist cause. Yet another time Pearl’s aptitude surfaced was the warning to her mother. â€Å"Come away, mother! Come away, or yonder old Black Man will catch you! He hath got hold of the minister already.† (Hawthorne 123) This realization Pearl possessed between good and bad coupled with her intellect allows for her empowerment. Moreover, Pearl’s role as a strong, prominent character showed 19th century Americans an alternative side young girls could possess. While Puritan women are weak and dependent upon their husbands, Hester Prynne is empowered and self-reliant. A character designed by Hawthorne to show 19th century women that women’s work could be valuable, Hester supports herself and her daughter by needlework. â€Å"For, as the novel unfolds, the letter, intended by the Authorities to signify harsh but just conde mnation, is made by Hester to signify something entirely different—able, admirable.† (Bell 109) All aspects considered, the ability of Hester, a woman who committed sin and was publicly punished for this crime, to manipulate this punishment into a virtueShow MoreRelatedFeminism In The Scarlet Letter Essay1313 Words   |  6 PagesWhat is the true definition of feminism? Feminism is â€Å"the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes†, as well as, â€Å"organized activity on behalf of women’s rights and interests† (Merriam-Webster). The way feminism is related into literature is similar to that of society. 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