An Ecofeminist Reading On The Scarlet Letter

Nathaniel Hawthorne is acclaimed as one of the greatest American novelists in the 19th century and his reputation has been on the increase ever since the publication of his masterpiece The Scarlet letter. This novel has been studied by many critics from diversified perspectives such as feminism, archetypes, psychoanalysis and so on.This thesis evaluates The Scarlet Letter in the light of ecofeminism. Ecofeminists criticize the hierarchical dualism and the logic of domination in men's relation with women and nature. Their common aim is to establish a world which is interdependent with nature. There are four chapters in all. Chapter One is the introduction, in which a brief survey of research on The Scarlet Letter at home and abroad has been made. Moreover, this chapter offers the theoretical foundation of the whole analysis. The basic theory of ecofeminism and Hawthorne's personal background, especially his attitude towards nature and women has been explored. Chapter Two reveals the subordination of nature and women in the Patriarchal society. It discusses this topic from three aspects. The first aspect describes the destruction of nature by men; the second aspect explores the suppression on Hester by men, such as Dimmesdale and Chillingworth; the third aspect analyzes the correlation between women and nature. Nature and woman are both reduced to secondary positions in the Patriarchal Puritan society. In the Puritan society women have no real power over their lives, and they have little hope of changing their disastrous circumstances. Nature plays a subservient role as well. Chapter Three discusses women's rebellion against men's oppressions and their pursuit of a harmonious world. In this chapter, both Hester and Pearl's rebellions have been analyzed. They are the real rebels against the harsh Puritanical rules. Their rebellious spirit is manifested not only in appearance but also in action. Besides, women's pursuit of a harmonious world is also explored. Men and women in the Patriarchal society can't form a harmonious relationship with each other, and they hope that there will be harmonious relationships between men and women, and human and nature. Chapter Four is the conclusion.The significance of the thesis consists in not only the theoretical application, but also in the practical inspiration. Hawthorne's ecofeminist sensitivity demonstrated in The Scarlet Letter is helpful in arousing people's awareness of the importance of reconstructing human society in harmony with the natural environment.