During the time period that The Scarlet Letter takes place, men we viewed as the one with power and wisdom. This was believed by everyone and can be showed when the town MEN were allowed to make the decision on what was to be done with Hester. They had difficulty coming to a conclusion and yet the women who had a opinion could not be involved in the decision. Hester proved this belief to be wrong when she had Pearl, found a home and made a living with her skill of needle work. "The roles, which women play, are negative. Not only is their charm denied, but also they are associated with viciousness and dissoluteness in the men’s eyes." said by Yamin Wang in A Representative of the New Female Image.

Today in society but also literature, women are being presented with a more strong, independent, and equality as men. Not to say that sexism no longer exist, but American culture and even literature is making more of an effort to change the way men see us and me see yourselves.

Hester shows her strength then she intentionally goes against the laws of their community. The Scarlet Letter is one idea that sparked women's want to be strong and independent. "When she walked to the scaffold from the prison, she holds her head high and remains in full public view without shedding a tear, ―as if by her own will" declared Wang

"Although Hester suffers enormously from the shame of her public disgrace and form the isolation of her punishment," stated Wang "in her inner heart she can never accept the Puritan interpretation of her act as she believes that her desire for love freedom is not evil, but with dignity and grace." She found a way to find love in tragedy. The town pushed her to the side and opening gossiped in front of her. After being put through something like that, Hester could have secluded herself and closed her heart but instead she showed love and compassion for other in the town.

After becoming pregnant with Pearl, Hester could have hated Pearl because she is a constant reminder of her sin and the cause of the town's dislike for her. Instead, Hester chooses to love and cherish Pearl. Her name can be proof that Hester loves Pearl and that she sees her as a blessing.