Grin logo
en de es fr
Shop
GRIN Website
Publish your texts - enjoy our full service for authors
Go to shop › English Language and Literature Studies - Literature

The portrayal of women in Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Scarlet Letter"

Title: The portrayal of women in Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Scarlet Letter"

Essay , 2016 , 8 Pages , Grade: 12

Autor:in: Michelle Blum (Author)

English Language and Literature Studies - Literature
Excerpt & Details   Look inside the ebook
Summary Excerpt Details

This essay discusses how Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Scarlet Letter" engages with the role of women in the nineteenth century based on the example of the protagonist, Hester Prynne. A number of critical voices on the topic are analysed, and it will be discussed if, and how, the text portrays women differently than they were wanted to behave when the novel was published in 1850.

Excerpt


Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

  • Introduction
  • Hester Prynne and the 'Separate Spheres'
  • Hester's Position in Society
  • Hester's Rebellion and Acceptance
  • Hester's Moral Strength and Acceptance of Punishment
  • Conclusion

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This essay aims to analyze the portrayal of women in Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, specifically focusing on the protagonist, Hester Prynne, and how her story reflects the societal expectations and constraints placed on women in 19th-century America. The analysis will draw on critical voices to explore the extent to which the novel represents women differently from their intended roles in society at the time of its publication.

  • The 'Separate Spheres' ideology and its impact on women's lives in the 19th century
  • The social and legal limitations faced by women, including limited educational opportunities and voting rights
  • Hester Prynne's defiance of societal norms and her struggle for acceptance and respect
  • The portrayal of female characters in The Scarlet Letter, contrasting Hester with other figures like the 'town witch' and exploring their roles in the narrative
  • The novel's exploration of themes of sin, punishment, and redemption, particularly in relation to Hester's experience and the societal reaction to her actions

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

The essay begins by establishing the context of women's roles in 19th-century America, highlighting the prevailing ideology of 'separate spheres' and the limited opportunities available to women. It then introduces Hester Prynne, the protagonist of The Scarlet Letter, and examines the challenges she faces due to her transgression against societal norms. The essay analyzes Hester's defiance and her struggle for acceptance, contrasting her with other female characters in the novel, such as the 'town witch'.

The essay also explores the societal reaction to Hester's actions, including the punishment she receives and the prevailing attitudes toward women and sin. It examines the role of religion and morality in the novel, considering how Hester's story challenges traditional views on female morality and agency.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

Key terms and concepts explored in this essay include: 'separate spheres', 19th-century American society, women's roles, societal expectations, Hester Prynne, The Scarlet Letter, sin, punishment, redemption, morality, female agency, social constraints, and the portrayal of women in literature.

Excerpt out of 8 pages  - scroll top

Details

Title
The portrayal of women in Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Scarlet Letter"
College
University of Sheffield
Grade
12
Author
Michelle Blum (Author)
Publication Year
2016
Pages
8
Catalog Number
V1128247
ISBN (eBook)
9783346504524
Language
English
Tags
nathaniel hawthorne scarlet letter
Product Safety
GRIN Publishing GmbH
Quote paper
Michelle Blum (Author), 2016, The portrayal of women in Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Scarlet Letter", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1128247
Look inside the ebook
  • Depending on your browser, you might see this message in place of the failed image.
  • https://cdn.openpublishing.com/images/brand/1/preview_popup_advertising.jpg
  • Depending on your browser, you might see this message in place of the failed image.
  • Depending on your browser, you might see this message in place of the failed image.
  • Depending on your browser, you might see this message in place of the failed image.
  • Depending on your browser, you might see this message in place of the failed image.
  • Depending on your browser, you might see this message in place of the failed image.
Excerpt from  8  pages
Grin logo
  • Grin.com
  • Payment & Shipping
  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Terms
  • Imprint