Essay On Feminism In The Scarlet Letter

In The Scarlet Letter Nathaniel Hawthorne's purpose for the ” A” was to demonstrate the clear absence of feminism in the 1850’s when the story takes place. Hester Prynne, the heroine of The Scarlet Letter, is a strong independent woman who demonstrates wisdom. Instead of allowing herself to be a victim of her situation and Puritan contempt, she lives as a irrepressible woman and does not allow herself to be controlled by particular normalities. Hester committed adultery while her husband was away for over two years as she presumed he was deceased. As a result of her act she was branded with a scarlet “A” as punishment. Hester followed her sexual desires despite the harsh Puritan standards and freely took the consequences for her actions.
Hester stays in the community sews for the leaders of the community, with her heart sympathetic to misery, she tends the sick and dying. Due to this, her tenderness and sympathy win her the admiration of many who come to look at her letter as symbolizing “able”. As the community reinterprets the scarlet letter, Hester once again has an identity thrust upon her by her fellow townspeople. The meaning of the letter can vary with the desires and needs of the community, because the letter does not signify any essential truth in itself.“Such helpfulness was found in her---so much power to do and power sympathize--that many people refused to interpret the scarlet “A” by its original signification. They said that it meant “Able”;” (Hawthorne 158). Hester’s improved reputation among the townspeople would seem to speak to the community’s generosity of heart, its wisdom and compassion. Yet, because Puritan doctrine elevated faith over good works, no amount of good deeds can counteract sin; one must be ranked among the chosen. Although the community may acknowledge her intentions as good, it will never consider her divinely