Both Maggie and Hester are "ruined" women. That is a curious term, when you think about it. Ruined for what? for who? Is ruined redeemable?
One thing we discussed briefly was that Maggie's only chance for redemption was death. Do you agree with that, and do you think Hester is redeemed? What brings about her redemption, if you think that is true. What might complicate the question is that since Hester never repents, is she even in need of redemption?
Another thing I want you to think about is while it's clear that Hawthorne and Crane are presenting one view of woman in each of their novels, do you think that narrative is condemning the woman or the treatment of her? This is something you will see on the exam for all the works we have studied. You don't need to address any but Maggie and Hester here, but think about it.