Scarlet Letter
The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne is an epic tale of sin and inner conflict with morality. The novel is based in the 1600's in the puritan settlement of Boston. The story revolves around four main characters: Hester Prynne, Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale, Roger Chillingworth, and Hester's young daughter, Pearl. All four characters play a key role in developing and highlighting the novel's theme of inner conflict of morality. The story is of two lovers' sin together and its eventual destruction of them both. Dimmesdale and Hester are both living symbols of inner conflict although they each have their own separate ways of dealing with it. The young clergyman, Rev. Arthur Dimmesdale, sticks out like a soar thumb when I think of the ways the characters in this novel deal with their inner-conflict. It is obvious throughout the story that Dimmesdale is a good man at heart and is truly sorry for his sin. It is his inability to bring himself to admit publicly his sin and accept his punishment that he experiences inner torment that eats away and agonizes his health. Despite his failing health, he is able to turn his experience and torment into inspired preaching. This makes him very popular as a clergyman.
She wears a scarlet 'A' on her clothing as a constant punishment for her sin. Dimmesdale had achieved a brilliant popularity in his sacred office. This is part of Chillingworth's plan for revenge. He talks to Dimmesdale about admitting sins before death and he talks bad of hypocrites. Dimmesdale's secret closet, under lock and key, there was a bloody scourge. He is unforgiving to his wife, Hester, and is bent on finding out who Pearl's father is and getting revenge. " 'Mother,' said little Pearl, 'the sunshine does not love you. Pearl serves as yet another constant reminder to Hester of her sin just by existing. The theme of inner conflict is most visible through two characters: Arthur Dimmesdale and Hester Prynne. We also learn that he even beats himself with a whip. Pearl is the result of sin and is viewed that way by the town. Sometimes Pearl notices something and will speak her mind; this too reminds her mother, Hester, of her sin. She is a fiery little girl with lots of energy. Hester, being shunned and outcast by the town, has much free time and spends it on either her profession as a seamstress or caring for her daughter whom she loves very dearly and is desperate to keep. One man who corrupts do to inner conflict as the story goes along is Roger Chillingworth.
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