# Pride and Independence in Hester

> Theme guide for Hester by Margaret Oliphant.

Hester's fierce pride and desire for autonomy drive her rebellion against her dependent status, as she dreams of heroic action and self-sufficiency, while Catherine Vernon's independence is tempered by her cynical tolerance of her dependents.

## Where it surfaces

- [Epigraph](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hester_se/chapters/epigraph): The poem explicitly celebrates Hester's pride and joy as inherent traits, framing them as virtues bestowed by nature.
- [IV: A First Meeting](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hester_se/chapters/iv-a-first-meeting): Hester's defiant stance against Catherine reflects a fierce pride and desire for independence, while Catherine's own pride is evident in her self-justification.
- [V: Next Morning](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hester_se/chapters/v-next-morning): Hester's refusal to let Catherine enter and her rejection of charity demonstrate her fierce independence, even as she fears the consequences.
- [VII: Settling Down](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hester_se/chapters/vii-settling-down): Hester's fierce desire to work and owe nothing to anyone contrasts with her mother's acceptance of charity; Harry and Ellen Vernon embody a more independent, defiant spirit.
- [IX: Recollections](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hester_se/chapters/ix-recollections): Hester's fierce denial of any likeness to Catherine and her assertion of her own independence reflect the theme of pride and self-reliance.
- [XII: An Indignant Spectator](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hester_se/chapters/xii-an-indignant-spectator): Hester's pride leads her to refuse supper and scorn the social scene, asserting her independence despite her dependent position.
- [XLI: A Night’s Vigil](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hester_se/chapters/xli-a-night-s-vigil): Catherine's refusal to break down, her fierce energy, and her determination to face the town's censure alone underscore her pride and independence even in ruin.
- [The Settlement](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hester_se/chapters/xliv-the-settlement): Catherine's proud declaration that she is not afraid of the workhouse and her rejection of help for herself demonstrate her fierce independence and pride.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hester_se/themes/pride_and_independence
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hester_se/themes