Hawthorne Vs Austen

From the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848 to having the first female presidential candidate in 2016, feminism has proved to be successful in gaining rights and equality for women. It has been a long and difficult battle, and even though woman are still fighting against inequalities, such as unequal pay, women have gained the right to vote (an idea that was unthinkable a century ago). The battle continues. To this day, the patriarchal society dominates many countries and cultures, but if it weren’t for the early feminist movements, men would completely dominate. The early feminist movements, surprisingly, took place in literature. Authors such as Nathaniel Hawthorne and Jane Austen promoted feminist ideas in their notorious novels. These novels …show more content…
Hester Prynne lived in a society where woman don’t have power or control over anything. Yet, she did. She had power and control over herself. Society can degrade her for her actions, but her feelings can never be taken away from her. Hawthorne does this to mock society and criticize it. Society can strip women of her reputation and personal belongings, but never of her personality nor identity. Deep down, she is a single mother who struggles in life to raise her daughter in a way only a mother can. Hawthorne proves that society is materialistic and hypocritical. Society judges her for her actions, but their beloved Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale had the equal amount of guilt as Hester did. “Hester Prynne can be seen as Hawthorne's literary contemplation of what happens when women break cultural bounds and gain personal power” (Seabrook). When Hester “broke the rules” she influenced a rebellious attitude meant to defend women’s rights and personal power. Hester Prynne, even though challenged society, proved to be a strong and independent character. Elizabeth lived in a society where marriage for money and a higher social class is encouraged. Austen does this to prove how disgusting and inconsiderate society is. When Elizabeth argued with Lady Catherine over her marriage with Darcy, she contemplated the idea that she was going to marry for her own happiness. Lady Catherine defended the idea that Darcy should marry her daughter for the benefit of their reputation. In this case, Elizabeth represents women while Lady Catherine represents society. Society is all about reputation and money. Elizabeth serves as a purpose to defend women and their rights. Women should be allowed to marry whomever they’d like. She appears to be un- “lady-like”. Austen does this to prove that the idea of women independence is an “outcast” idea. To furthermore emphasize the idea for a need of social reform.