Living in this period, Hawthorne was very familiar with these feminists and their demands, which, to a large extent, speed up the formation of his consciousness for women. During his career as a writer and diplomat, Hawthorne met many prominent American women of the nineteenth century who were directly or indirectly involved in feminist movement, feminist struggle and abolitionist campaigns. Through them, Hawthorne learned about the most profound feminist thinking of the time and witnessed the efforts of women in order to enter the field of public life where had always prohibited the involvement of women. These activities were a challenge to American women's life style in nineteenth century.

The social background was the basis of the appearance of The Scarlet Letter. 

3. Theoretical foundation

3.1 The definition of feminism

Feminism is a range of political movements, ideologies, and social movements that share a common goal: to define, establish, and achieve political, economic, personal, and social equality of sexes (Beasley, 1999).

3.2 Feminist theories 

Women are confronted with a major problem that is how to change their subordinate status in the face of a powerful male-dominated society and cultural system. The value of women is only located in her biological properties, and they are refused to participate in all creative public things (Liu Wenni, 2012: 105-106). Based on this fact, scholars have put forward many concepts to look for a way out. There are various feminist theories, whose ultimate goal is to achieve equality between men and women in all humanity. Having a look at the feminist theories, some are as fierce as fire, while others are calm as water. Some advocate fighting for a showdown, while others accept concessions and compromises. But all feminist theories have a basic premise that is women are a level of oppression and discrimination worldwide.

3.2.1 Liberal feminism 

Liberal feminism is developed from Western liberalism. It is mainly influenced by the concepts of freedom, equality and natural human rights. It is believed that the deprivation of women’s equal rights in social affairs cannot be tolerated. It advocates that women should enjoy the same rights as men, whether as a group or an inpidual.

3.2.2 Ecofeminism

The basic assertion of ecological feminism is that the ideology that recognizes gender oppression also recognizes the oppression of nature. Ecofeminism calls for an end to all forms of oppression and believes that without the struggle to liberate nature, any effort to liberate women or other oppressed groups will not help(Jin Li, 2004: 57-64).  Ecofeminism equates the meaning of caring for nature with caring for women, and considers that human beings and nature should form an organic whole, advocating mutual care between man and nature, people and men, and men and women.