Feminism in The Scarlett Letter

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Feminists are independent individuals that stand against the given norms of society. Throughout history, there are many examples of these strong individuals that help innovate society forward. Because Puritan society greatly suppressed many women, feminism is quite impossible at that time. In The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, Hawthorne explores the life of Hester Prynne, a young puritan woman involved in an affair. Throughout the book, Hester Prynne expresses her potential to become an early feminist and at times is, however her love for Arthur Dimmesdale holds her back from attaining her full feminist potential.
Feminist figures are strong and independent, giving them courage to voice their opinion. From the beginning, Hester exhibits her inner strength. When Hester reenters society after three months in prison, she is described as “with natural dignity and force of character” driven “by her own free will” (Hawthorne 36). Hester, as she reenters society, furthermore expresses “a haughty smile” (Hawthorne 37), allowing her self-confidence to shine pass the criticism of socie...

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