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Comparing The Scarlet Letter And Trifles In Susan Glaspell's Tri

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From the 1600’s, to the 1900’s, to even the present day, there is one issue that has been a point of controversy for centuries. This issue is the case of mainstream patriarchal society systematically oppressing women of all ages and backgrounds. Although The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne and Trifles by Susan Glaspell are works of fiction, both touch upon society’s common belief that women were distrustful, deceitful, and simple-minded. Despite the fact that the events of each take place hundreds of years apart, both works share one exceedingly important aspect-- the respective societies both are based in cater to men and men only. Both The Scarlet Letter and Trifles feature situations in which conflict occurs, and due to the harmful …show more content…

During her relationship with Dimmesdale, she takes advantage of her husband’s absence and completely goes against the sanctity of their marital vows. Although it was true that she committed all of these acts, there were additional circumstances that should have been considered by the townsfolk before utterly condemning Hester. No one considered the state of her marriage, which was quite rocky and forced. This is shown as Hester reflects upon her discussion with Chillingworth on the beach, “And it seemed a fouler offence committed by Roger Chillingworth than any which had since been done him, that, in the time when her heart knew no better, he had persuaded her to fancy herself happy by his side” (Hawthorne 121). Chillingworth essentially manipulates Hester into marrying him, even though he was well aware that she would not be happy with him in the long run. None of this so much as crosses the minds of the citizens of Boston. In their eyes, the affair was entirely Hester’s fault, and thus she should be punished as such. This is quite an unfair way to go about reaching a verdict. Due to the time period, it is hardly a surprise that as a woman she is held to much stricter standards than the male characters of The Scarlet

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