Beginning of Essay
As citizens of the United States and members of the most open society in the world it is difficult for us to picture a world where the phrases woman’s rights, equal opportunity, and religious freedom have little meaning. When the surface of American hist ....

Middle of Essay
.... their sins were to be discovered, and to Hester a reminder of sin. Hester stands alone outside the court house as the close minded colonial eyes stare at her and the baby in her arms. Many women during this era of American history would look for a way to run. Hester shows little sign of uneasiness, with exception to her firm hold on the infant. At the conclusion of this scene the reader knows that this is a strong woman trying to maintain dignity in a land were a woman’s independence ranked right above blasphemy on the hierarchy of values. Throughout the novel Hester demonstrates her independence of living. ....