Some authors may not even realize how equality can easily be thrown off and as a result have a negative effect on books and readers who notice it. We as readers, tend to not completely fully grasp the presence of the anti-feminist or proto-feminist society. Feminism, or equality of the sexes, can be seen in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s text as he portrays women as innocent, powerless, and non influential individuals. Not only does feminism play a role in the painted society of “Young Goodman Brown,” but also in countless societies today. The exact meanings of the characters' actions, are not completely understood unless the main focus is kept on this specific lens, feminism. It can help to make the logical assumption that this is in fact an anti-feminist
…show more content…
Apparently, it is okay for sons to kill their fathers to inherit land and money, but based on the ideology of time it would not be even somewhat okay. This point is supported by the story when, In “Young Goodman Brown”, the author expressed, “How beardless youths have made haste to inherit their fathers’ wealth;” (Hawthorne np). This supports the idea that the youth holds more authority over their mothers and will receive no consequences unlike the result of women committing the same crime. Also, just because women are expected to stay pure before marriage, they have to bury their babies out of wedlock. This is an unfair idea, but is to be followed because that is what society views the idea of “pureness” before being married. As reinforced in YGB, “and how fair damsels-- blush not, sweet ones-- have dug little graves in the garden, and bidden me the sole guest to an infants funeral” (Hawthorne np). No matter what choice the mother makes, societies beliefs are to be followed. To add to this, the church also supports the anti-feministic society. Elder men who are a part of the church had power and use that power over innocent women. This is clearly indicated in the story. It says, “This night shall be granted you to know their secret deeds: how hoary-bearded elders of the church …show more content…
Focusing on a certain idea while reading, can help recognize anti-feminist versus protofeminist texts. Hopefully, from the readers' point of view, it is now easier to recognize. The guise of feminism can be explained through multiple people and multiple events. Essentially, it is not only within one person or event in “Young Goodman Brown”, but unquestionably
Apparently, it is okay for sons to kill their fathers to inherit land and money, but based on the ideology of time it would not be even somewhat okay. This point is supported by the story when, In “Young Goodman Brown”, the author expressed, “How beardless youths have made haste to inherit their fathers’ wealth;” (Hawthorne np). This supports the idea that the youth holds more authority over their mothers and will receive no consequences unlike the result of women committing the same crime. Also, just because women are expected to stay pure before marriage, they have to bury their babies out of wedlock. This is an unfair idea, but is to be followed because that is what society views the idea of “pureness” before being married. As reinforced in YGB, “and how fair damsels-- blush not, sweet ones-- have dug little graves in the garden, and bidden me the sole guest to an infants funeral” (Hawthorne np). No matter what choice the mother makes, societies beliefs are to be followed. To add to this, the church also supports the anti-feministic society. Elder men who are a part of the church had power and use that power over innocent women. This is clearly indicated in the story. It says, “This night shall be granted you to know their secret deeds: how hoary-bearded elders of the church …show more content…
Focusing on a certain idea while reading, can help recognize anti-feminist versus protofeminist texts. Hopefully, from the readers' point of view, it is now easier to recognize. The guise of feminism can be explained through multiple people and multiple events. Essentially, it is not only within one person or event in “Young Goodman Brown”, but unquestionably