Essay On Hester Prynne In The Scarlet Letter By Nathanial Hawthorne

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In his novel, The Scarlet Letter Nathanial Hawthorne illustrates the life of a feminist, Hester Prynne, a woman who strayed from the rules created by society and resultantly had to face a set of consequences. Hawthorne narrates the difficulties Hester went through and overcame and in doing so reveals the status of women and their role in Puritan society. During the puritan era, woman were expected to have a strong sense of propriety, modesty and decorum (Alchin). Hester being ostracized from the rest of society rebelled against the rules and in turn became a strong, determined and independent woman. Hester’s iconic “A” symbolizes and eternalizes her fight for her rights, for equality and labels her not as a harlot, but as a feminist fighter. …show more content…

When Dimmesdale asks Hester to reveal the father of her child but she says “Never”. He asks again and she says “I will not speak! (Hawthorne)”. Hester is determined not to reveal the name of the father of her child even if it means a lesser punishment. She uses her individual rights and stands alone against the opinions of society (Wang). Hester defies the societal standards by not answering to the leaders of the town. Not only is she a woman but also a sinner and she continues to stand up for what is right. Another example where Hester stands up for herself is when she finds out the church leaders want to take Pearl away from her. She goes to Governor Bellingham’s home to make sure she can raise Pearl. Hester says “ God gave me the child. He gave her in requital of all things else which ye had taken from me. She is my happiness… ye shall not take her! I will die first. (Hawthorne). Pearl is the living embodiment of the scarlet letter and Hester’s unwillingness to let her go shows that she is not weak. Hester believes god gave her Pearl and the church has no right to take her away. Her acts of defiance prove that she is a courageous

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