The essay on The Scarlet Letter explores the concept of feminism, which advocates for gender equality. In the 1840s, men and women did not enjoy the same rights, but the novel portrays a different perspective. Hester challenges Puritan beliefs, embracing her status as an outcast while proudly wearing her punishment. Additionally, she defies societal norms as a single mother and finds joy in her role.
The Puritans believed that family was of great importance in their societies. They viewed marriage as a fundamental human relationship, intertwined with salvation, similar to the biblical tale of “Adam and Eve.” This belief meant that marriage not only represented the bond between husband and wife but also between them and God. However, Hester committed adultery and became an outcast. The narrator compares her situation to a forest, illustrating how she aimlessly wandered through a vast and intricate moral wilderness. Hester was sentenced to live in this symbolic forest for seven years, a lawless environment filled with terrifying creatures feared by the Puritans. Essentially, Hester defied societal rules and was exiled to a place of moral uncertainty represented by her small cottage on the outskirts of town, away from the established social life of the settlers. Nonetheless, Hester’s ordeal transformed her into an independent woman who had to learn self-sufficiency.
Women in Hester’s town are under the authority of men, whether it be their father, brother, or husband. This man has complete power and makes all decisions. However, Hester chose not to conform to the submissive role expected of women in relation to male figures. As a result, she faced social rejection. In modern times, if a husband were to abandon his wife for a year, divorce would likely occur and extramarital affairs would not be surprising. However, committing adultery during the 1840s was considered extremely shameful due to the strong religious beliefs held by Puritans and divorce was not an available option.
When Chillingworth left Hester, she committed a sin that was deemed unholy. As a result, she was sentenced to jail for her serious wrongdoing. As a form of public humiliation, she had to don a red “A” on all her clothes to symbolize her identity as an adulteress. Despite the overwhelming shame, Hester admitted her fault and remained resolute, showcasing bravery as a woman. Throughout the ordeal, Hester stayed authentic to herself and exhibited compassion, resilience, and dignity. Contrary to the initial perception of women in town, Hester did not experience any sense of disgrace.
Despite openly admitting to her affair and choosing seclusion after being released from jail, she remains dedicated to raising her daughter, whom she considers a gift from God. Refusing to conform, she accepts her punishment in solitude, showcasing genuine resilience and honesty. Hester’s strength is evident through these challenges as she expresses love for her daughter. Being a single working parent and successfully raising children can be challenging for many women.
Hester remained hopeful for a better future and stayed positive about her circumstances. Despite being alone in her isolated cottage, she raised her healthy and unique-looking child, Pearl, without any help from a husband. Hester took on the role of both caregiver and provider. She demonstrated immense bravery by sacrificing her reputation, community, and even her religious beliefs. Hester was willing to risk everything for the sake of her daughter and demonstrated an abundance of love towards her. In fact, she named Pearl as her most precious possession – “being of great price?purchased with all she had?her mother’s only treasure!” (6. 1).
The reason for her name. The connection with this just reveals Hester’s true colors and how she is actually a likeable character in the book, yet she is being treated like the worst. The Scarlet Letter is a feminist novel. As I pondered on this, it made me realize how Hester is a strong feminist character in the book, and it truly convinced me that it was exactly that. From her societal ostracism to proudly displaying her punishment, to showcasing her strength as a single parent, this novel embodies feminism.
