Keeping the Faith

While Reverend Dimmesdale kept quiet to save his congregation from a downfall, Reverend Parris’ secret led his community into a whirlwind of suspicion and bereavement. So naturally, his involvement in a scandal would have shaken the community to its core. Therefore, Hester kept his secret and the people were spared the heavy disappointment. In his heart he knew that many of the good people who hung were not guilty and he let the killings continue until he could no longer stand himself. Keeping all of his feelings and thoughts locked inside caused Dimmesdale to become unbalanced and secluded. He knew, in his soul, that what he had been doing was wrong in God’s eyes. Not wanting to cause great disturbance in the small community, Dimmesdale kept his identity as Hester’s lover a secret from the people, thinking that since he was so admired as the minister he could not let such a shame befall him and ruin his congregation. And after much introspection he did apologize to the country and his wife for his sins. Slowly but surely, this self-torment killed him from the inside out. His crazed introspection climactically resulted in his death, a bittersweet end to a despondent life of self-persecution. As was routine in the puritan way of life, the minister put himself through constant introspection. And I pray you feel the weight of truth upon you, for now my ministry’s at sake, my ministry and perhaps your cousin’s life. Unfortunately, it is a common occurrence between married couples. What can a ruined soul, like mine, effect towards their purification? And as for the people’s reverence, would that it were turned to scorn and hatred! Canst thou deem it, Hester, a consolation, that I must stand up in my pulpit, and meet the eyes turned upward to my face, as if the light of heaven were beaming from it!- must see my flock hungry for the truth, and listening to my words as if a tongue of Pentecost were speaking!- and then look inward, and discern the black reality of what they idolize? I have laughed, in bitterness and agony of heart, at the contrast between what I seem and what I am. Whatever abomination you have done, give me all of it now, for I dare not be taken unaware when I go before them down there.