A Study Of Hester In The Scarlet Letter From Feminist Criticism Perspective

Feminist criticism developed on the basis of women's liberation movement. In 1854, Women in the Nineteenth Century written by Margaret Fuller was published. In this book, the author advocates women should have the equal rights with men on education, economy and politics. The views encourage women to think independently and participate the social activities. From then on, the feminist criticism was developed very rapidly and gradually became one of the most dynamic and influential theories. It emphasizes women's self-awareness, women's dignity and women's contribution to the society.This thesis is to be devoted to analyze Hester deeply and systematically on the basis of feminist criticism. Following some feminist critical theories and methodology, the writer shows a rebellious woman in The Scarlet Letter. The theme of the novel is very clear. It expresses the praise to the women's independence and the condemnation to the patriarchy. Hester Prynne, the main character in the novel, never gives up pursuit of the true love and new free life. And finally she is on the center of the puritan society.This thesis analyzes Hester Prynne from three aspects including her awakening of self-consciousness, her pursuit of independence and equality. The thesis is composed of three parts. Fist part shows Hester's awakening of feminist by anglicizing Hester's resistance to the regulation of Puritanism and her loyal to the true love, though at that time she did not think about her action of which it's a kind of subconscious. After Hester stepped off the scaffold her thought and judgment standards changes a lot. She began to mediate on her love, the law and the social systems. The second part states that isolate life and self-independent spirit make her achieve the economic independence. She can not only support her family but also help the needy people. This help Hester win the respect from others'as an independent woman. And Hester's returning to comfort the women who have passion problems help her transform from a passionate, carefree young housewife to a thinker who explores the welfare of the society and mankind. The last part tells us Hester's feminist consciousness becomes more and more maturity. Hester challenges and revolts to the church and the common custom rulers publicly and bravely, when the common customs and the authority want to capture Pearl's child custody. This makes Hester change qualitatively to fight back to the authority. Hester expects to break the Puritan's regulations to pursuit of the true love. She breaks the barrier of God, creates a life of her own, and makes her own life colorful and impressive.