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 tells her to do. As readers, we see that the answer is not always clear when dealing with society or heart, however in this instance, the result is a strong, independent Hester ready to take on the world, hence defining the word feminist herself. …show more content…
Until March 1968, feminism was not talked about or put into action. This was far after the Scarlet Letter was written, so the question of Hawthorne’s main character Hester’s origin is debatable. Nevertheless, feminism is now defined as someone who believes in equal rights and treatments of women economically, socially, and politically. To express these characteristics, one might stand up for women when they are seen being treated unfairly or simply just take pride in their gender and believe in what they do. Feminism has been around since the beginning of time. In the late 19th century the feminism began to advance through talk and action of women activists, such as Jane Addams - president of Women's International League for Peace and Freedom - and Susan B. Anthony who introduced women suffrage into the United States. This movement spilled into the 20th century as well and was categorized as the “first wave” primarily focused on women gaining more political rights. It wasn’t over until women were allowed the right to vote. However, once the first wave was over, the “second wave” began circa 1960. Feminists were now aimed at women’s roles in society. Both of these waves’ objectives can be seen reflected in …show more content…
Is this not the very essence of feminism? To finally and proudly be a woman for nature to smile upon? Even heaven recognizes this change and welcomes it with “a sudden smile of heaven” as so “forth burst the sunshine”. This shows how nature as well as heaven has accepted Hester because she is finally her. No scarlet letter, no hat; she is open about who she is and is no longer letting her sin define her. Furthermore, in the forest, heaven shows Hester and Dimmesdale that they are equal. She brings Dimmesdale up and they stand there, judged by God; two lovers who committed sin, yet two souls who are the same. Even in the end, after all the characters but Pearl pass away, “one tombstone served for both” (180). This symbolizes that they were equals and that their sin could speak for both of them. In a sense, Hawthorne has given us a sample of gender equality even before it became a tantalizing taste on the palate of

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Feminism In Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter