A Comparative Analysis of the Attitudes towards Patriarchal Society between Hester and Zaitoon

Abstract

The basic purpose of this study was to compare the two novels The Bride by
Bapsi Sidhwa and The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne. The comparison of both
the novels has been done to analyze the attitude of Patriarchal society towards Zaitoon
and Hester who are the main characters of the The Bride and The Scarlet Letter
respectively. Both the novels are written centuries far apart and in places which are
geographically two different parts of the world. However, both the characters face
same difficulties and miseries from the patriarchal society. Both refuse to surrender
before the oppression and strongly resist against this tyrannical attitude. They prefer to
lead the life of their own choice and refuse to follow the set rules and regulations of
patriarchal society. The comparative analysis proves that the dominance of patriarchal
thought is same in both east and west and women are exploited for one or the other
reason by the male dominated societies..This attitude is not reserved to any particular
part of the world or any specific time period. Thus, this fact is established that
patriarchy has no geographical and temporal boundaries Nevertheless, Hester and
Zaitoon give a very strong message to rest of the women folk that it is through inner
courage and determination by which they can defeat the oppressing forces. Both of
them become a symbol of struggle against this chauvinistic thought.