Theme Of Heroism In The Scarlet Letter

The Scarlet Letter Essay Prompt #1 As far as women are discussed in past societies, they are usually not the heroes. Nathaniel Hawthorne thought otherwise in his literary work, The Scarlet Letter. Heroes are often characterized as courageous, strong, and ones with humility. Nathaniel Hawthorne's character Hester Prynne exhibits all of these qualities of heroism. Due to Hester Prynne taking responsibility for her sin of adultery and deciding to continue to work arduously in a society where she is not wanted, Hester Prynne, is indeed, a heroic character. To begin, Hester Prynne takes full responsibility for her sin of adultery and never attempts to blame someone else for her mistakes or attempt to stop paying the punishment of her sin. In the beginning of her punishment, Hester is constantly asked and interrogated on the scaffold on who Pearl’s father is, yet instead of pointing a finger at Arthur Dimmesdale, Hester takes full responsibility of her sin and does not speak. She instead stands up on the scaffolding with dignity and strength. For instance, Hester portrays strength and exclaims, “I will not speak! […] [M]y child must seek a heavenly Father; she shall never know an earthly one!” (64). Most in this situation would give in to the governor and godly ministers and give them the answers they need to know. Hester, on the other hand, is not like most people. She will not
Hester takes all the blame for the sin of adultery, helps and thrives in a community where she is unwanted, and creates new stereotypes for how women are perceived in society. The breaking of these stereotypes is an act that only a true heroine would be able to accomplish. Breaking these social barriers and showing true qualities of a hero is why Hester Prynne, unlike some literary experts say, is, in fact, the first American