Arthur Dimmesdale of Hawthorne's Scarlet Letter and Ethan Frome, the main character of Wharton's classic Ethan Frome, though separated by over a century of time, find themselves in remarkably similar situations--a bleak existence, punctuated only be intermittent glimpses into a life that might have been. However, a difference in character leads each to ultimately confront their respective situation in opposing ways. Ironically, the one seeking a new, clean life is met by death and the one seeking a conclusive death receives, instead, a hellish life. Essentially, both Dimmesdale and Frome have weak and selfish characters, but Dimmesdale triumphs over Frome with a stronger heart and a more decisive mind in the end. Dimmesdale acquires these characteristics through a harsh penance and a lengthy repentance. Frome, however, hardly feels remorseful for his actions. Occasionally, a wisp of guilt enters into his mind, but it is driven out by defensive justifications of his actions.
             Dimmesdale lives as a Puritan in 18th century Salem, Massachusetts while Frome exists in a stark austerity that symbolized the Puritan world in 20th century Starkfield, Massachusetts. An uneducated farmer, Ethan lives because he has to. There are obligations to fulfill and duties to perform, and all of this Ethan takes upon himself. But Ethan's life matters little in Starkfield. "Most people were either indifferent to his troubles, or disposed to think it natural that a young fellow of his age should have carried without repining the burden of three crippled lives." (Wharton 102) It seems that no one sympathizes with him in his plight. Dimmesdale is a revered minister of the Puritan town. He appears so innocent, so eloquent and so faithful, his followers proclaim him to come from God Himself. "They (the people) deemed the young clergyman a miracle of holiness. They fancied him the mouth-piece of Heaven's messages of wisdom and rebuke, and love. In the...