Chan 1

Pristine Chan

Ms. Jorgensen

English 10 Honors, P.5

4 March 2019

Feminism in Puritanism

Nathaniel Hawthorne’s ​The Scarlet Letter​, addresses modern feminist themes through the

main protagonist, Hester Prynne, whose complex character combines both archaic and

contemporary ideas of feminism. Hawthorne’s antiquated, Puritan beliefs regarding the

conventional roles of women are juxtaposed by Hester’s obstinate, headstrong attitude

throughout the novel. This female strength, which heavily contrasts the customary outlook of

women in the Puritan Era when the novel was originally written, can contribute to Hester

portrayal as an “early feminist”.

From the beginning of the novel, Hester is introduced as being headstrong when faced

with her ignominy. She exhibits more inner strength than the man whom she had the affair with,

augmenting her punishment in order to protect the identity of her paramour. In facing her

retribution, Hawthorne describes Hester “with natural dignity and force of character,” her actions

committed “by her own free will” (47). Moreover, in the conclusion of her sentence, Hester

maintains her femininity and composure, “​her beauty shone out, and made a halo of the

misfortune and ignominy in which she was enveloped” (48).​ She exemplifies these willful traits

further as she withstands the citizens’ growing resentment and the public's distorted perception

of her morals, isolating her from the rest of humanity. Despite the maltreatment, Hester

continued to advance her art and make atonement for her sins, bestowing “ her superfluous
 Chan 2

means in charity, on wretches less miserable than herself” (78) in desperate attempts to have a

place in her community.

Hawthorne’s scarlet letter, which acts as Hester’s penance, symbolizes the shame that

results from Hester going against the orthodox ideals of a “woman” in a Puritan society,

disconnecting her from the rest of her community. The letter, initially appearing insignificant,

possesses the ability to alter Hester’s very existence and value as both a woman and human

being, having “​the effect of a spell, taking her out of the ordinary relations with humanity, and

including her in a sphere by herself” (48). The moral weight that the letter holds acts as

commentary, addressing the consequences women face when veering from the societal norms

placed on what it means to be a “traditional” woman in a patriarchal society. Society sees the

letter as a sign of danger and shame; however, to Hester, it’s remorse and misjudgement. She

finds herself stuck between her will and desire, as well as her place in society.

Like Hester Prynne, Dimmesdale's inherent nature is swayed by similar circumstances.

However, unlike Hester, who faces the repercussions of her actions, Dimmesdale individually

suffers from this moral dilemma, hiding behind his presumed holiness, ultimately giving him the

moral high ground necessary to avoid his retribution. Ironically, Dimmesdale confesses his sins,

only to be praised by those who shamed Hester prior, “The minister well knew...the light in

which his vague confession would be viewed. He had striven to put a cheat upon himself by

making the avowal of a guilty conscience, but had gained only one other sin” (135). Hawthorne

giving Dimmesdale a predominant control in moral authority, provides further insight on

Hester’s inability to receive justice in a patriarchal society, as her voice is overshadowed by male

superiority.
 Chan 3

Despite being written in an era in which women were suppressed and given limited

opportunities in society, Hawthorne managed to illustrate and effectively portray a strong,

independent female protagonist who was able to endure a society predominantly driven by men.

In essence, ​The Scarlet Letter​ pushes the fact that women should be influenced by their own

free-will, rather than what’s customary.

 Chan 4

Works Cited

Hawthorne, Nathaniel. ​The Scarlet Letter​. Everbind Books, 1989.