Feminism In Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter

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What is feminism? Feminism is the support for political, social, and economic between men and women. A majority of the feminist fight for the rights of all women, no matter who you are. There have been three waves of feminism movements since the late 1840's. For example during the second wave of feminism which fought for the equality for women and end of sexism. There are many more movements of feminism to come even as time passes and society advances. Novels often display real life issues that are in society. In the Scarlet Letter written by Nathaniel Hawthorne, feminism viewpoints can be visible throughout a majority of the novel, but are not addressed with the main character Hester and even her daughter, Pearl. Women who submit to the hidden written rules of society and the roles of women are less prone to be judged for questioning the responsibilities of women in society. To begin, feminism can be illustrated through Hester's action to become independent. She becomes a seamstress, although Hester was humiliated in front of the whole town and ridiculed for being an adulterer, "She possessed an art that sufficed, even an in a land that afforded comparatively little scope for its exercise, to supply food for her thriving …show more content…
Hester takes off her A, "She had not known the weight until she felt the freedom" (139)! Hawthorne highlights that Hester is able to achieve happiness without the Scarlet Letter. The symbol of the red letter "A" which she was forced to wear for her sin after seven years of her punishment. There is a liberation from her punishment. Underneath the negativity of the Scarlet Letter, there is an integrity. A personal achievement caused Hester to forgive herself as a sinner and move on. Hester was able to move on while Dimmesdale could not accept the sin that he committed years ago. A woman's liberation lets Hester break free from the chains which were holding her down for many

Feminism In Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter

The Scarlet Letter, a novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne, takes a stand for feminism before the word was even born. According to Merriam Webster’s Dictionary, feminism can be defined as “the advocacy of women's rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality to men” (Merriam Webster). However, it can also simply be defined as having pride in one’s own abilities and person. Throughout the novel, Hester Prynne, faces a power struggle between what society tells her to do and what her heart…

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The Scarlet Letter Essay examples

In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter, protagonist Hester Prynne is exiled from society when she is forced to dawn a scarlet “A” upon her chest. This is punishment for Hester’s adulterous union with Arthur Dimmesdale, followed by the birth of their illegitimate child. Although, written one hundred and fifty years ago Hawthorne’s novel contains concepts and insights still relevant to today’s readers. Hawthorne’s themes of sin, judgment, feminism, and redemption have made The Scarlet Letter…

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Neoclassicism In Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter

Nathaniel Hawthorne was greatly influenced by situations that were happening around him at the time he was writing the scarlet letter and many social issues of the time are evident in the novel. The novel The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne tells the story of a woman by the name of Hester Prynne in 17th century Puritan Boston Massachusetts. Hester violated Puritanical law by committing adultery. To forever wear a scarlet A on her dress in public and private is her sentence. remaining unnamed…

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Gender Roles In The Scarlet Letter

Mrs. Fellinger Introduction Feminism exists not solely for women, but for all to recognize regardless of gender identity. For example, in modern times just as in the past, society scorns girls who do not shy away from their sexuality. Society sees girls’ sexuality as taboo and young ladies are not socially permitted to live a sexually active life or flaunt their promiscuity. A young girl becomes pregnant while she still attends high school. Not only does society judge the girl for being sexually…

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Scarlett Letter Essay

the Bible, when Eve is announced as the cause of original sin. However, in The Scarlet Letter, Hawthorne portrays the image of a woman who can make her own decisions without causing destruction to society. Throughout Hawthorne’s story he allows Hester to represent feminist qualities. A feminist is a person who believes women are equal to men socially, politically, and physically. Hester consistently demonstrates feminism by not allowing stereotypes to define her. Hester’s feminist attitude differentiates…

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