Heroine Figure or Devil’s Puppet?
After reading The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, I would definitely recommend it to any female because of the significant number of themes that are relevant in today’s society as it relates to women. One of the themes in this novel includes the role that women play in society and how it has changed over the years. In the period that this book takes place women play a lesser role in society than men. Since this time, women have developed their own voice in society similar to the main character Hester Prynne. Hester is a strong independent female and we could learn from her courage.
Hester Prynne is forced by the Puritan people to wear a letter A on her chest, which symbolizes the sin of adultery that she has committed. The local citizens were not fond of Hester due to her independence and confidence. Even though she is reminded about her sin every day by wearing the letter A, she wears the symbol proudly to show the strength and courage she has for her daughter Pearl, and for herself.
Hester takes the full responsibility of the sin she that she has committed even though Reverend Dimmesdale is partially to blame. At one point in the book, Reverend Dimmesdale says to Hester, "I charge thee to speak out the name of thy fellow-sinner and fellow-sufferer! Be not silent from any mistaken pity and tenderness for him; for, believe me, Hester, though he were to step down from a high place, and stand there beside thee, on thy pedestal of shame, yet better were it so, than to hide a guilty heart through life” (Hawthorne, 79). Reverend Dimmesdale is speaking to Hester Prynne in hopes that she would confess that she committed adultery with him