Feminism In The Scarlet Letter Essay

In the novel The Scarlet Letter, written by Nathaniel Hawthorne, the question of whether feminism is supported or not is taken into account. This novel was written during the same period as the women’s rights movements. Hawthorne emits a new truth that evokes the revolution that supports feminism. Through isolation, Hester Prynne learned to rely on herself. Hawthorne used Hester Prynne as an example that women, as well as men, can be strong and independent. Hester Prynne was a woman that was able to be true to herself, find her voice and inner strength, and fight against societal expectations thanks to the scarlet letter.
When exposed to the outside world independently, reliance on oneself is essential to their personal growth. "She had
“’The judgment of God is on me,’ answered the conscience-stricken priest. ‘It is too mighty for me to struggle with!’ ‘Heaven would show mercy,’ rejoined Hester, ‘hadst thou but the strength to take advantage of it’” (17). Dimmesdale can only see the punishment and judgment imposed by got yet Hester sees forgiveness and mercy. Hester believed in the same god that Dimmesdale did but they had different interpretations of what was correct in his/her eyes. Hester’s god reflects on her own morals and feelings. This god could be more flexible and down to earth than Dimmesdale’s god. This is because Hester is more of an independent person. Dimmesdale’s beliefs are embedded into his mind because he religiously followed the church’s beliefs. His exposure to the church jaded his view of god so he believes that god is strict and will definitely judge him in the end. In conclusion, The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne supported feminism and the growth of women. Hester Prynne serves as a perfect example. She makes her own conclusions and is able to be a success. She took off the chains of society and dared to be her own person. This novel reflects that gender roles in society are cruel and unfair because women can, in fact, be independent and