The Scarlet Letter: Dimmesdale
Many characters go through transformations in The Scarlet Letter, and one of those characters is Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale. Author Nathaniel Hawthorne writes of a puritan society, and it is the laws of that society, both written and unwritten, that Dimmesdale breaks and which causes the changes to occur. He commits the sin of adultery, and by sleeping with Hester Prynne, breaks the laws that he is supposed to represent. He cannot admit his sin because he is a holy man, and admitting his sin would mean losing the faith of his congregation. Instead he struggles with his sin and tortures himself in an effort to gain forgiveness for what he has done. Dimmesdale is described as the worst of sinners, yet he is seen as the holiest man in his community. Dimmesdale's progression occurs throughout the story, but can be seen in three main parts. He first denies his sin, then he unwillingly accepts it, and finally he overcomes it. The three scaffold scenes can represent these three stages.In the first scaffold scene, the town is out to witness the punishment of Hester Prynne, and some of the women are suggesting other punishments. The women are also talking about Hester and Dimmesdale. "'People say,' said another, 'that the Reverend Master
"Do I feel joy again!" cried he, wondering at himself. They decide that the three of them will run away together where they can live together feel like a family and not live in sin anymore. Dimmesdale actually spoken? For one instant he believed that these words had passed his lips. By the time Dimmesdale is on the scaffold again, a few changes have taken place. "A good evening to you, venerable Father Wilson. Pearl asked if the three of them could stand together he tells her not now but someday. They decide to leave on a ship but it is not leaving for another four days. He knows that if the community discovers his sin, they will never forgive him. He escapes the Devil, who was symbolized by Roger Chillingworth, by saying, "Thy power is not what it was! With God's help, I shall escape thee now!" (248). However, the forgiveness he seeks most lies in Pearl. They had not been alone since the sin was committed seven years ago. "Methought the germ of it was dead in me! Oh, Hester, thou art my better angel! I seem to have flung myself-sick, sin-stained, and sorrow-blackened-down upon these forest leaves, and to have risen up all made anew, and with new powers to glorify Him that hath been merciful! This is already the better life! Why did we not find it sooner?"(Page 198) The next time the three are together is in the third scaffold scene. In the final scaffold scene, Dimmesdale finally conquers his sin. Come up hither, I pray you, and pass a pleasant hour with me!" Good Heavens! Had Mr. The community sees Reverend Dimmesdale as a godly man who does not commit sin.
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