The Scarlet Letter
Essay by people • September 2, 2011 • Essay • 317 Words (2 Pages) • 1,609 Views
Hawthorne creates the conflict between Dimmesdale and society as an example of a character who surrenders their individuality to the community. Unlike Hester, Dimmesdale conforms to fit society's expectations as a sinless reverend. He has successfully kept his thoughts and feelings locked inside his heart. His inability to embrace the guilt is the source for his sick ness, and each day it worsens. His hidden and unspoken sin continuously tears apart his physical and mental health. It is not until the very end of the book does Dimmesdale finally confesses his sin after preaching his last sermon. Because Dimmesdale was unwilling, or unable to fight for himself, he was left in a position of powerlessness, he embraced his spirituality and delivered compelling sermons. "While thus suffering under bodily disease, and gnawed and tortured by some black trouble of the soul, and given over to the machinations of his deadliest enemy, the Reverend Mr. Dimmesdale had achieved a brilliant popularit
in his sacred office. He won it, indeed, in great part, by his sorrows. His intellectual gifts, his moral perceptions, his power of experiencing and communicating emotion, were kept in a state of preternatural activity..."(page 94) His ability to preach on the topic of sin was enhanced because of his suffering.
Chillingsworth has committed the worse formChillingsworth has committed the worse form of sin. His heart has become darkness, so the only making others suffer- does he feel satisfied. His physical being deteriorates with each passing day as he becomes more evil, and loses his human qualities. Hester didn't disclose his identity earlier because she didn't fully comprehend exactly how evil Chillingsworth has become, and how much pain hes caused Dimmesdale. Now that it is clear, Dimmesdale's suffering has been brought upon by Chillingsworth, Hester feels that its her responsibility to warn Dimmesdale of Chillingsworth's evil plans.
I think its fair for both Hester and Dimmesdale to pity each other after...
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