Nathaniel Hawthorne was a nineteenth century author; as such, he was among the intellectuals of the period who were troubled over the subjugated roles women played in society. Thus, he asked controversial questions relating to women’s health, sexuality, domesticity, and personal worth in relation to, and apart from, men. Why was it that women were to remain subservient to men without a notion of independence and strength? It seemed as if society thought women should play a small part in human affairs. It seems that some of Hawthorne’s fiction gives readers views of strong, fiercely independent women in the midst of society. One example is, Fanshawe, explains the role of Mrs. Melmouth. In Hawthorne’s view, women seem to be gaining leverage over their once domineering husbands, an idea that will later influence his later novels. Though Dr. Melmouth is the head of his household, Mrs. Melmouth often matches him in power simply with her forceful personality and common sense. Yet it is in Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter where we find feminism supported the most ardently. Hester Prynne is persecuted by the Puritan community of following the honest passions of her heart. Because of her rebellion, she is deemed as sinner in the eyes of her fellow man and woman. But Hester’s independence gives her strength to carry on in the midst of social humiliation. Pearl, Hester’s daughter, not only serves as a grim reminder of her adultery, but also as a symbol of suffering women who bear the scorn of others. She motivates her mother to remain firm in her beliefs and stand for her rights as a woman. As a result, Hester and Pearl come to symbolize the desire for female autonomy in nineteenth century America.
