It showed that the mother was a strong figure in their shilds live based on how Pearl responded to Hester's moods and aspects of how she was treated by others. Pearl even seemed to try to protect her at times from the people of the town like the children who were about to throw mud at them and she chased them away and also the times when Chillingsworth came on the scene Pearl wanted her mother to run so he didn't catch her. The book also shows single and independent women as ones who had to be strong and had to carry on for the sake of their children and that how they are treated by society in general, as outcast. They carry their burden and then some, and still are not resived as equals but the single women can see the others around them and all their 'glory' and know for a fact they aren't any batter then them.
Hester may have actually started the female stereotype. She was a mother, caregiver, and a wife who was strong enough to stand and endure criticism of society. The power of men was shown, but I feel Hester showed more power within herself as the story moved along. She loved a man who was not her husband, and despite her public embarrassment, she loved him still. The author, Hawthorne portrayed her as an independent woman, beyond the morals of the Puritan town. The people change how they see her and interact with her, but she had strength within her. In the 17th century time, Boston was not a place to find gender equality, freedom of expression, or feminism. A man would not be punished for adultery unless caught in the act or reported to authorities. Women could not escape scorn and humiliation in this time period. The Puritan society believes that any sin will restrict a soul from reaching heaven and they believe that the sinner would corrupt their society so they should be not accepted in the community. Shame made Hester strong. I think, Hester believed that when the world is ready, man and women would be equal. The author, Hawthorne used The Scarlet Letter to show that there is and was indifference between men and women. In today times, women still struggle with ridicule from society, but more things are accepted and equal.
I agree, noticed how most of the male figures are leaning on her for strength like Dimmsdale or are to week to be better than what she is like Chillingworth.
It showed that the mother was a strong figure in their shilds live based on how Pearl responded to Hester's moods and aspects of how she was treated by others. Pearl even seemed to try to protect her at times from the people of the town like the children who were about to throw mud at them and she chased them away and also the times when Chillingsworth came on the scene Pearl wanted her mother to run so he didn't catch her. The book also shows single and independent women as ones who had to be strong and had to carry on for the sake of their children and that how they are treated by society in general, as outcast. They carry their burden and then some, and still are not resived as equals but the single women can see the others around them and all their 'glory' and know for a fact they aren't any batter then them.
ReplyDeleteHester may have actually started the female stereotype. She was a mother, caregiver, and a wife who was strong enough to stand and endure criticism of society. The power of men was shown, but I feel Hester showed more power within herself as the story moved along. She loved a man who was not her husband, and despite her public embarrassment, she loved him still. The author, Hawthorne portrayed her as an independent woman, beyond the morals of the Puritan town. The people change how they see her and interact with her, but she had strength within her. In the 17th century time, Boston was not a place to find gender equality, freedom of expression, or feminism. A man would not be punished for adultery unless caught in the act or reported to authorities. Women could not escape scorn and humiliation in this time period. The Puritan society believes that any sin will restrict a soul from reaching heaven and they believe that the sinner would corrupt their society so they should be not accepted in the community. Shame made Hester strong. I think, Hester believed that when the world is ready, man and women would be equal. The author, Hawthorne used The Scarlet Letter to show that there is and was indifference between men and women. In today times, women still struggle with ridicule from society, but more things are accepted and equal.
ReplyDeleteI agree, noticed how most of the male figures are leaning on her for strength like Dimmsdale or are to week to be better than what she is like Chillingworth.
Delete"Independent woman, beyond the morals of the Puritan town." I couldn't agree more. Instead of morals, I might say "judgements."
ReplyDeleteI think when the dying woman wants to touch her scarlet letter, that is a feminist statement of sort. Any guesses at what statement?