Abstract: Nathaniel Hawthorne is acclaimed as one of the leading figure of American Literature in the nineteenth century. With the publication of The Scarlet Letter, Hawthorne wins his fame as one of the greatest writers in the United States increasingly. The Scarlet Letter is set in the 17th century and it describes the cruelty of puritanism and its killing of human nature. Eco-feminism is a school of thought arising in the 1970s, which combines ecology and feminism. This paper aims to explore The Scarlet Letter through the view of eco-feminism to reveal, first of all, the information about this novel and reasons why Hawthorne has formed the perspective of eco-feminism. Secondly, it comes to the profound exploration of the eco-feminist view, including its origin and essence. Thirdly, eco-feminism embodied in this novel is studied through profound illustrations. Finally, conclusion is made that the longing for harmony between humans and nature is one of the major concerns of the writer.  

Key words: Hawthorne; eco-feminism; The Scarlet Letter; patriarchy; ecological crisis

Contents

Abstract

中文摘要

1. Introduction-1

  1.1 Introduction to The Scarlet Letter-1

  1.2 Introduction to Hawthorne and his Eco-feminism-2

     1.2.1 Introduction to Nathaniel Hawthorne-2 

     1.2.2 The Formation of Hawthorne’s Eco-feminist Consciousness-4

2. Theory of Eco-feminism-5

  2.1 The Origin of Eco-feminism-5

  2.2 The Essence of Eco-feminism-6

3. Eco-feminism Reflected in The Scarlet Letter-7

  3.1 Restriction of Nature from Patriarchy-8

  3.2 Oppression to Women from Patriarchy-10

  3.3 Interconnection between Women and Nature-12

4. Longing for Harmony between Humans and Nature-13

  4.1 Harmony between Men and Women-13

  4.2 The Ideal Relation between Nature and Men-13

5. Conclusion-14

References-16