Dimmesdale

Essay by mdp1998High School, 10th gradeA-, October 2014

download word file, 7 pages 0.0

The Analysis of Arthur Dimmesdale in the Scarlet Letter

Abstract

In the scarlet letter, written by Nathaniel Hawthorne, there is a most tragic character that is the Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale because in the novel, he is the most ambiguous role for his noble rank and his behavior. But no matter what others think of him, I think, he is the most successful role in the novel. In this paper, I will talk something about Dimmesdale in the positive angle according to the other author's papers.

Key words: rank; behavior; conflict; tragic

â… .introduction

A. As a clergyman

In the novel, first, Dimmesdale is characterized as a hypocrite who conceals his mean behavior. He who doesn't have enough courage to together with his lover is a pious clergyman. He sent his mistress to stand on the scaffold with the letter "A" which means "adultery" and doesn't confess that he is the man Hester tries to protect.

But later, he suffers a lot. Compared to the statesman Bellingham and the so-called respectable Whilson, he is a true man, a true hero and a true orthodox priest. We can see the change of him from a hypocrite to a true man who confronts his crime bravely. We can feel his anguish. We can touch his deepest heart. So Dimmesdale is one multi-faceted man. A brilliant speaker, a kind man, a wise reverend-----everyone loves this guy. For seven years he remains silent but suffers a lot which is represented by the declining of his body. At last, recognizing that death is imminent, he chooses to purify his soul by confessing his sin publicly and revealing the scarlet letter A that has appeared on his chest over his heart. The symbol on his skin suggests that though we may hide our sins as best as we...