Being True To Oneself In The Scarlet Letter
             The Scarlet Letter, a novel that takes place in a New England colony, depicts a lady
             named Hester Prynne who is being punished for committing adultery by wearing a scarlet "A" on
             her chest. Hester and her daughter, Pearl, live with disgrace and mocking from the colonists.
             Reverend Dimmesdale, Pearl's father, is also being tortured by his deceptive friend, Doctor Roger
             Chillingworth, who is Hester's husband. There are many instances of characters not being their
             true selves. Not being true to one's self causes unhappy consequences.
             Reverend Dimmesdale suffers for not being his true self. The governor chooses Reverend
             Dimmesdale to be the judge of Hester. This shows that the people think he is righteous enough to
             judge her, even though he is just as guilty. Hester takes the blame, but Dimmesdale does not
             because he is a coward. Reverend Dimmesdale stops being true to himself, and puts on a facade
             for the colonists so he will not ruin his reputation or lose his job. The only person that Reverend
             Dimmesdale can show his true self to is Hester. In the darkness of the forest or in the shadows of
             the night he can be his true self. In the light and brightness of the day he acts as the beloved,
             respected reverend. He hides his secret for so long that he goes crazy and starts to punish and
             torture himself. He even carves an "A" into his chest. He is very unhappy because he knows living
             a lie is wrong. When he finally reveals himself he dies of shame.
             Mr. Chillingworth gives up his happiness by hiding his true self. It starts when he decides
             to not let anyone know that he is Hester's husband. He lives a lie, which makes him unhappy.
             Chillingworth has to keep this secret and also make sure Hester keeps it a secret. Mr.
             Chillingworth devotes his life to getting revenge on Reverend Dimmesdale. Chillingworth
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