The Scarlet Letter - Analysis of Arthur Dimmesdale
Character Analysis of Arthur Dimmesdale The Scarlet Letter is a story of characters that have to live and deal with the effects of sin in different ways. Of these characters, the Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale is the character portrayed as the most weak and unnoble. Despite this portrayal Dimmesdale was a stronger character than given credit for. His unbelievable amount of control in his way of handling his burdens displays his great sense of strength and We first see Dimmesdale portrayed as a nervous and sensitive individual. Despite his outer appearance, inside Dimmesdale is a very stable, strong person. Chapter Three states that he showed, ˙nervous sensibility and a vast power of self re
To admit he is wrong takes strength, but the way that he held in his sin thus committing two, one of the original sin, and two of the concealment, then confessing after years of frustrating cowardice takes a stronger man. This confession also in front of his loyal followers, who had stood by him without a clue of his guilt. His body refuses to do what his heart says is right. ˙ While this seems to give Dimmesdale great strength, it is also his largest flaw. Dimmesdale was not courageous in his actions in the story but strong. Dimmesdale instructs Hester to reveal the truth, but when she refuses he doesn˙t have the willpower to confess himself. He realizes that he is as much at fault for Hester˙s torment as any common villager, if not even more so. His demise was from the drain of his will which was worn and lacking. Seven years prior, Hester stood in this place and took the punishment for both of them while he quietly stood aside and led people to believe that he also condemned her. Now Dimmesdale has had all that he can bear and lets out a yell that draws the attention of fellow villagers. Therefore, his sin becomes even larger than hers, because while hers is an exposed sin. On the scaffold in the chapter 23 the true sign of strength ids revealed. During those long seven years he made no move to lessen her load or his own. He curses himself for his silence and cowardice.
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