Nathaniel Hawthorne, author of The Scarlet Letter, establishes his views on women in several ways through his strong and passionate characters. Despite this clear incorporation, when does an author's opinion merge with reality? Hawthorne clearly presents the novel's heroine, Hester Prynne, as at odds with the typical 19th century woman. Hawthorne sees Hester as a strong woman and presents her actions and characteristics as righteous; however, her opinion of a strong woman is incorrect. Hester's seemingly honorable actions may be interpreted as unjust by a modern reader. This proves how much progress women have made in society since the novel was first written. Hawthorne has strong opinions on what he believes a strong woman should be. During the 1800s when The Scarlet Letter was written, women did not have many rights. They were not considered an independent entity apart from their husband because once married, the husband and wife are considered one person in law. Additionally, men were responsible for their wives, as he had to "answer for her misbehavior...[and be] entrusted with the power to restrain her...with the same moderation that a man [was] permitted to correct his behavior." servants or children” (Blackstone 249). Hawthorne uses the role women played in society in the 1800s to create Hester Prynne with contrasting characteristics that he believes make her a strong woman. He uses words such as “bold… courage… untamed… intellect… free… [and] strong” to describe Hester as a virtuous woman (158). Hester first showcases this independence when she “repels [the beadle], by an action marked with natural dignity and strength of character” before mounting the scaffold for the first time (57). H...... middle of paper ......h goes against the idea that Hester is a strong woman. Hawthorne's presentation of Hester as a strong woman served as a model of what the ideal woman should be. Thanks to Hawthorne's character, Hester Prynne, the role of women in society has changed dramatically over the years to create an existence equal to that of men. Works cited by Tocqueville, Alexis. “From How Americans Understand the Equality of the Sexes” (1835). » The Scarlet Letter: Second Edition. Ed. Ross Murfin. Massachusetts: Bedford/St. Martin, 2006. 249-250. Print.Blackstone, William. “Of Husband and Wife (1795).” The Scarlet Letter: Second Edition.Ed. Ross Murfin. Massachusetts: Bedford/St. Martin, 2006. 248-249. Print. Hawthorne, Nathaniel. “The Scarlet Letter.” The Scarlet Letter: Second Edition. Ed. Ross Murfin. Massachusetts: Bedford/St. Martin, 2006. 21-202. Print.