Arthur Dimmesdale
In Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale unquestionably suffers more than Hester Prynne, his accomplice in the affair that took place years ago. He is tortured by Roger Chillingworth, Hester's husband, who arrives in Boston and begins to 'assist' Dimmesdale with his illness. He is also tormented by Pearl, Hester and Dimmesdale's daughter, who, is a product of the affair. He also injures himself, as the shame of the incident literally makes him sick. These persons, including himself, contribute to Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale's potential downfall. Roger Chillingworth arrives in Boston, and ironically, the first scene he views is his wife, Hester Prynne, serving her three-hour sentence of standing on the pillory. As he comes out of the woods with a big Indian, he joins the crowd. At which time, we are immediately informed of his physical description. We are told he is short, has one shoulder higher than the other, and looks intelligent, however, there was not something right about him, "his look became keen and penetrative." (p.54) In the next chapter, we are told that Chillingworth is Hester's husband. They do not have the same name, however, because Chillingworth wishes
114) A few days later, Chillingworth returned from gathering leaves and roots when Dimmesdale asked him where he got those that he had never seen before. Chillingworth responds by saying that they grew on a grave with no tombstone, then infers that Dimmesdale is keeping a secret, "They grew out of his heart, and typify, it maybe, some hideous secret that was buried with him, and which he had done be then to confess during his lifetime. 130) He never let these get to him, though, "he could discern substances through their misty lack of substance. Roger Chillingworth tries to make him admit he slept with Hester while Pearl also tries to make him admit his guilt. Psychological torture, whipping, burrs. 120) Dimmesdale jumped back from the attack, and seemed to, "shrunk with nervous dread. 138) and that they would all three stand together, "At the great judgment day. During the conversation between Chillingworth and Dimmesdale about Dimmesdale's spirit, Pearl and Hester come walking through the graveyard. to avoid discovery as the wronged husband and also bear Hester's ignominy.
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Acceptance Essays
