Themes: Gender
The gender double standard of Puritan society (and, in many ways, our own) is shown on a massive scale in The Scarlet Letter. Hester is unforgivingly and sadistically punished by the society, while Dimmesdale, despite his inner suffering, becomes the most respected member of the community. The same dynamic occurs in other nineteenth-century novels: in Anna Karenina, for instance, the woman becomes a pariah, while her lover, though shown suffering from guilt at the end, survives with his honor intact.
That the child of Hester and Dimmesdale is a girl is significant. Pearl is “wild,” with an independence of spirit observed by all as a kind of lawlessness and inherent defiance. The depiction seems to fit in with traditional notions of women as “temptresses” lacking moral sensibilities, seen in myth, religion, and Freudian theory. Yet Hawthorne does not “judge” Pearl, and the ambivalent tone of the story is reinforced by the fact that this “bad” child is innocent and in adult life becomes a good person “mindful of,” though distant from, her mother. And although in general, as with other male authors of his period, Hawthorne merely shows the gender double standard without commenting directly on it, he does predict, through Hester, that
in Heaven’s own time, a new truth would be revealed, in order to establish the whole relation between man and woman on a surer ground of mutual happiness.
This is a proto-feminist viewpoint. It is also apparent that Hester is the Christ-figure of the story, the one who has the power to redeem mankind as a whole. Her “three hours” on the scaffold are a reenactment of the crucifixion of Jesus. Like Goethe in Faust, Hawthorne depicts the salvation of man as made possible through woman.
Expert Q&A
What is the significance of the passage starting with "Pearl kissed his lips. A spell was broken." in The Scarlet Letter?
The great scene of grief, in which the wild infant bore a part, had developed all her sympathies; and as her tears fell upon her father’s cheek, they were the pledge that she would grow amid human joy and sorrow, nor for ever do battle with the world, but be a woman in it.
The passage signifies a critical transformation for Pearl and the resolution of key themes in The Scarlet Letter. When Dimmesdale acknowledges Pearl as his daughter, she kisses him, symbolizing her acceptance and forgiveness. This act breaks the "spell" that kept her as merely a symbol of sin, transforming her into a human capable of experiencing joy and sorrow. The scene unites Hester, Dimmesdale, and Pearl as a family, marking a pivotal moment of reconciliation and humanity.
In The Scarlet Letter, why did Hester keep her baby's father a secret?
Hester Prynne keeps the identity of her baby's father, Reverend Dimmesdale, a secret to protect him from severe punishment and to defy the hypocritical and male-dominated Puritan society. Her silence reflects her resistance to judgment and her belief in their love and personal values. Additionally, she wants to shield Dimmesdale, whom she loves, from the shame and ruin exposure would cause, taking the burden of their sin upon herself.
What aspect of Hester's appearance and "crime" most disturbs the community, especially the women?
The community, particularly the women, is disturbed by Hester's appearance because she is strikingly beautiful and projects a purity that contrasts with her "sin." Her defiant act of embroidering a beautiful symbol of shame further fascinates and unsettles them. Hester's "crime" of adultery is troubling as it implies an unknown partner among the townspeople, potentially implicating their own husbands or relatives, fueling their suspicion and scorn towards her.
Does Hester become emblematic of a woman's frailty and sinful passion, ultimately conforming?
Hester Prynne does not fully conform to the emblem of frailty and sinful passion. While she becomes a symbol of sin in her Puritan community, her spirit remains fiercely independent. Despite her punishment and ostracization, Hester questions societal norms and the role of women, asserting her individuality. Although she returns to the community and resumes the scarlet letter, this act reflects a complex mix of obligation and defiance rather than complete conformity.
In The Scarlet Letter, chapters 13–15, how does Hester perceive womanhood?
In chapters 13–15, Hester perceives womanhood as complex and transformed by her experiences. Once a passionate and beautiful woman, she has become a "bare and harsh outline," reflecting her societal alienation and internal struggles. Despite her good works, she is still scorned, but the community starts to see her scarlet "A" as "able" rather than "adultery." Hester's view of womanhood matures, becoming more introspective, though not all of this growth is positive.
Would Hester from Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter have been treated differently if she were a man?
Townspeople's Changing Perception of Hester
In The Scarlet Letter, the townspeople's perception of Hester evolves significantly. Initially, she is harshly judged by the community, especially the women, who view her punishment for adultery as too lenient and are envious of her beauty. Over time, however, Hester's consistent charity, strength, and humility win her respect, and her scarlet "A" comes to symbolize "Able" rather than "Adulterer." Despite some lingering resentment, her good deeds gradually soften the community's harsh judgment.
Puritan Women in The Scarlet Letter
The Scarlet Letter portrays Puritan women as harsh, judgmental, and lacking compassion, especially towards Hester Prynne. They are depicted as "ugliest and most pitiless" judges, believing Hester's punishment is too lenient. Hawthorne highlights their hypocrisy, as they scorn Hester yet secretly harbor similar sins. The older women are sturdier and crueler, while younger ones show more leniency. Through these characters, Hawthorne critiques the rigid and hypocritical nature of Puritan society, contrasting it with Hester's strength and resilience.
Hawthorne's portrayal of women in The Scarlet Letter
Hawthorne's portrayal of women in The Scarlet Letter is complex and multidimensional. He depicts Hester Prynne as a strong, resilient, and independent character, challenging the strict Puritan societal norms. Other female characters, like Mistress Hibbins, represent the marginalized and misunderstood women of the time. Through these portrayals, Hawthorne critiques the rigid and often hypocritical treatment of women in 17th-century New England.
Hester's Response to Revealing Her Child's Father in The Scarlet Letter
In The Scarlet Letter, Reverend Dimmesdale urges Hester to reveal the identity of her child's father, arguing it would prevent the father from living as a hypocrite and allow him to atone publicly for his sin. Despite this, Hester refuses to disclose the father's identity, motivated by love and a desire to protect Dimmesdale's reputation. She argues that revealing him would not lessen her burden and insists her child will only have a 'heavenly father.'
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