Hester Pyrne is both a feminist icon and a heroine in American Literature. Despite Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1804 birth in Salem Massachusetts, she was considered a misogynist. The way Hawthorne presents his female protagonist, and how she interacts with the society that surrounds her, proves that Hester Pynne is actually the female heroine in “The Scarlet Letter”.
Romantic Heroine can be defined as someone who refuses to conform to society’s flaws and instead rises above them. Romantic Heroes have two common traits: they are isolated and they regret their actions. A heroine is someone who has exceptional courage or ability and is well-versed in morals, character judgment and morality. Hester is both. Hester is beautiful. It is said that her beauty shines behind her like a “haloof the misfortune”. However, it is her strength and character that is most impressive. We meet Hester, a formidable and powerful woman who holds Pearl in her arms as she begins her sentence. Pearl is described as having “natural dignity, strength and character”. Although she felt that her heart was “flung into a street for them spurning and trample”, her expressions were not clear and her demeanor described as “haughty”. Although she just got out of jail, her actions were described as being her own. Hester is also subject to her punishment. She refuses to be forced to reveal Dimmesdale as her father. Her love and loyalty to Dimmesdale are admirable. Hester’s emotional strength is evident by her willingness to face humiliation in Boston rather than fleeing. Even though she’s “alone, alone, and a living critic to society”, Hester continues to stay. Hester is a dedicated mother even though her daughter will suffer because her father is absent. Pearl was her daughter’s mother’s sole treasure. Hester named her Pearl to symbolize purity and innocence. Hester stood up to the authorities and protected her Pearl. Hester’s determination shows in the simple fact she can care for her child while she is being punished. Hester prefers not to see Pearl, which is either a representation of her sins or the Scarlet Letter in another way, but instead she views Pearl and God as a gift from God. Hester will no longer be ostracized.
Hester is humble despite being humiliated publicly by the Puritans. She is shunned and ostracized by her community. Her time is divided between her solitude and helping those in need. She is generous, even though the people she helps are not reciprocating her generosity. Hester changed the A from a symbol to signify her good will through her penitential actions. The Scarlet Letter did not mean “Adulterer”, but “Angel” and “Able”. Hester is also not extravagant, despite the fact that she could make exquisitely embroidered clothing. Instead, the Scarlet Letter represented “Angel” or “Able”.
Chapter 5, “Hester at Her Needle”, reveals that Pearl and she are independent. This was no easy task. Hester is a seamstress, and she creates exquisite garments despite the fact that Puritans don’t like such luxury items. Hawthorne described her talent as “a rich, voluptuous and Oriental characteristic in her nature–a taste to the stunningly beautiful.” The Scarlet Letter’s intricate needlework is full of irony. It features “fantastic flourishes made of gold thread” and it is decorative. This goes against the requirements for sombre, unadorned clothing.
Hester was a positive influence on the Puritan society. Hester was able not only to survive the Puritan rules but also to break them. She was respected by other women in the community and became a strong female character. Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter” was written in the midst of a feminist movement. Women in America were challenging patriarchy, and this led to a shift in the societal roles for women. Hawthorne felt threatened by the growing feminist movement which could lead to him losing his literary position. Feminist critics argue that Hester, the symbol of strong-willed feminist woman, is an important American heroine.
Hester Prynne might be considered a transcendentalist. The term refers to an optimist who believes in the future and loves God. They are honest and independent, much like Hester. Despite being ridiculed by society, she didn’t try to hide her errors. Dimmesdale was the opposite. He made it seem that he didn’t do any wrong. To protect his reputation, he covered up his errors. Hester trusted her instincts and didn’t break any Puritans rules. Hawthorne explains that the Scarlet Letter allows women to travel into places where men cannot. This made them strong.
Others, however, believe Hester to be the heroine. Hester is, according to some, a martyr or victim of Puritan society. The Puritans manage to ruin her happiness with their rules. Hester is also viewed as a temptress. Dimmesdale was attracted to her beauty and committed a crime by being enticed. Hester repeatedly demonstrates that she doesn’t feel guilty for her sins, which leads some to believe that Hester isn’t a heroic character.
Overall, I think Hester Prynne was the heroine to The Scarlet Letter. This is because Hester was a hero in literature. She sacrificed herself for the love she loves.
