Compare And Contrast Scarlet Letter And The Crucible

“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” - Helen Keller. The truth in one’s character is a prevailing theme throughout The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorn and The Crucible by Arthur Miller. In The Scarlet Letter, Hester Prynne is being accused and persecuted for her sin by hypocritical townspeople and powerful men. She protects her lover, the Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale, even though others are begging her to give up the name of the man she committed adultery with. Hester never gives the townspeople the name, but when Dimmesdale comes forward himself he passes away directly after reveling himself as Hester’s lover. Because Dimmesdale was so loved, the townspeople refuse to think badly of him and hail him as a saint even in death. Similarly, in The Crucible Abigail Williams starts the town of Salem …show more content…
While Dimmesdale and Hale share the similar characteristics of being respected and spiritually educated men, they are far more different then they are similar. Dimmesdale is bewildered by his past and lets his mistakes control and destroy him. He also does not confess to his sins and watches as other people suffer when he should be standing with them. Whereas, Hale is not regretful of his actions as he truly believes he is doing what is best for everyone so he can protect them. He also doesn’t stand for injustices and won’t allow others to be hurt because of his actions or the actions of untruthful people. While these two men have very different personal characters, they are both memorable novel characters and will always be known for their passion and convictions however different they may