The Scarlet Letter: Dimmesdale as symbol of immorality
In the 17th century, political and religious persecution in England led to the pilgrimage of Puritans to America. Their settlements reflected on forms of theocracy to completely unify church and state. All laws resulted solely from the Bible and were highly punishable if convicted. Nathaniel Hawthorne's portrayal of authoritarian society in The Scarlet Letter shows his fascination and disgust with the Puritan belief system. The character, Arthur Dimmesdale, exemplifies the outward desecration of man by guilt and sin as well as very personal views on the weakness of the Puritan culture. Dimmesdale, a member of Salem, Massachusetts
In the community, strong emphasis was placed on morality. 's clergy, must deal with his desire yet inability to admit to sin. The consequences of guilt and sin then creep up on Dimmesdale and it is soon the death of him. As Dimmesdale remains safe in his silence, young Hester Prynne is consequently a figure of immorality in her confession. To the Puritans of this time, sin was a lawfully punishable crime and left the convicted ridiculed through the town. Inside all people is a certain degree of guilt and sin. It is beneath his robe and collar that Dimmesdale hides his adulterous past. Dimmesdale uses his position in the clergy to prevent his confession. Though his eminence of superiority is obvious to those who view him, he contains the guilt in his heart. Even the highest symbol of its power succumbed to its obstinate view of life. Even within the church there are certain weaknesses. He uses excuses like his figure in society and his job to make it more appealing to remain silent. While Dimmesdale was an ensign of the Puritan faith, he also possessed traits of their criminals, like Hester Prynne.
Common topics in this essay:
Hester Prynne,
Salem Massachusetts's,
Arthur Dimmesdale,
Puritans America,
Prynne There's,
,
Scarlet Letter,
Nathaniel Hawthorne's,
guilt sin,
character arthur,
arthur dimmesdale,
puritan faith,
character arthur dimmesdale,
hester prynne,
|
Acceptance Essays
