Dimmesdale and Frome
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 obliga
He believes he is never to be forgiven by God -- he'll never be able to repent enough or feel sorry enough. In their eyes, the very ground on which he trod was sanctified. His inward trouble drove him to practices, more in accordance with the old, corrupted faith of Rome, than with the better light of the church in which he had been born and bred. Dimmesdale feels guilty for pretending to be clean and free. Dimmesdale has his piety yet and realizes by not confessing his sin, he is playing right into Chillingsworth's hands. He now has to live with two silent, yet querulous, women. " (Wharton 102) It seems that no one sympathizes with him in his plight. He knows that this is not the way to live and steels himself for the moment of his confession, and consequently grows as a character. In fact, he has very little understanding of anything at all throughout the novel. Chillingsworth preys on Dimmesdale, hoping to find out his secret and if he indeed is the father of Hester's child. Dimmesdale's eventual strength of character stems indirectly from the penances he performs and the fact that his sins, astonishingly and repulsively, heighten his popularity in the town. For this, Ethan must remain alive and at home. Hester's husband Roger Chillingsworth and Ethan's wife Zenobia play large roles in their spouses demise. It would appear that Ethan was deserting his wife in her time of need.
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