Feminism

Feminism is a major theme in the novel. Hester is a feminist figure. She steps out of the woman role often and she does not feel comfortable as a woman. In World War II England, Hester feels women are treated unequally. For example, she won a crossword puzzle contest and was recruited to work as a clerk in Bletchley Park. Yet the men who placed below her in the contest receive the cryptanalyst jobs. As a feminist, Hester believes jobs should be awarded on talent and intelligence, regardless of sex. However, society does not believe what she does. Women are secretaries and clerks in Bletchley Park. They are there to serve the men and look pretty. However, Hester rejects wearing makeup and dressing up. Unlike the other girls, she does not go to extremes and use shoe polish as mascara, for example. She chooses to be a woman...