Arthur Dimmesdale has efficiently demonstrated that he suffers from avoidant personality disorder throughout the novel. While Dimmesdale does not show every symptom of the disorder, many of his symptoms are apparent and persistent enough for a diagnosis. Impulsiveness, fear of being rejected or criticized, manipulation, and violation of the emotional rights of others are all key characteristics of Dimmesdale as well as avoidant personality disorder (Burton 2012). Whether or not Dimmesdale was always capable of these actions before, he seemed to deteriorate rapidly after his first act of impulsiveness; conceiving a child with the married Hester Prynne. Had he not considered the consequences, as a priest, of copulation with a married woman? Perhaps
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Dimmesdale continues to hide his connection with Hester until his death. Hester also continues to be the only one he will confide in, with which he shows her no remorse and often feels inferior. In chapter seventeen, Dimmesdale says “Happy are you, Hester, that wear the scarlet letter openly upon your bosom! Mine burns in secret! Thou little knowest what a relief it is, after the torment of a seven years' cheat, to look into an eye that recognizes me for what I am!" (Hawthorne 1850). Noticeably, Arthur’s egocentric mindset disables him from seeing the situations effects on others; often times he will dance around questions from others to avoid any confrontation. Or Dimmesdale will be nonspecific and secretive with certain information. During a couple conversations with Pearl, Dimmesdale gives her responses that lack detail such as "Then, and there, before the judgment-seat, thy mother, and thou, and I, must stand together. But the daylight of this world shall not see our meeting!" and "Not so, my …show more content…
The problem lies not on Pearl or anyone else. The problem is within Dimmesdale. Arthur’s brutal suffering has been the immediate effect of an incapability to disclose his sins (Kirk). Again we see sufficient evidence that Arthur Dimmesdale is deceitful, but also that he has a significantly unstable “home life”. This instability grows as the novel progresses. His questioning, though, seems to fall on himself. Dimmesdale informs Hester "Else, I should long ago have thrown off these garments of mock holiness, and have shown myself to mankind as they will see me at the judgment-seat.” (Hawthorne 1850). Doubting himself in the fashion that Dimmesdale displays, and having an unhealthy home lifestyle, are more characteristics of avoidant personality disorder (Burton 2012). Finally, Dimmesdale also displays acts of manipulation throughout the story. His most prominent manipulative actions are those taken on Hester. Attempting to make Hester choose sides, Arthur says "We are not, Hester, the worst sinners in the world. There is one worse than even the polluted priest! That old man's revenge has been blacker than my
Dimmesdale continues to hide his connection with Hester until his death. Hester also continues to be the only one he will confide in, with which he shows her no remorse and often feels inferior. In chapter seventeen, Dimmesdale says “Happy are you, Hester, that wear the scarlet letter openly upon your bosom! Mine burns in secret! Thou little knowest what a relief it is, after the torment of a seven years' cheat, to look into an eye that recognizes me for what I am!" (Hawthorne 1850). Noticeably, Arthur’s egocentric mindset disables him from seeing the situations effects on others; often times he will dance around questions from others to avoid any confrontation. Or Dimmesdale will be nonspecific and secretive with certain information. During a couple conversations with Pearl, Dimmesdale gives her responses that lack detail such as "Then, and there, before the judgment-seat, thy mother, and thou, and I, must stand together. But the daylight of this world shall not see our meeting!" and "Not so, my …show more content…
The problem lies not on Pearl or anyone else. The problem is within Dimmesdale. Arthur’s brutal suffering has been the immediate effect of an incapability to disclose his sins (Kirk). Again we see sufficient evidence that Arthur Dimmesdale is deceitful, but also that he has a significantly unstable “home life”. This instability grows as the novel progresses. His questioning, though, seems to fall on himself. Dimmesdale informs Hester "Else, I should long ago have thrown off these garments of mock holiness, and have shown myself to mankind as they will see me at the judgment-seat.” (Hawthorne 1850). Doubting himself in the fashion that Dimmesdale displays, and having an unhealthy home lifestyle, are more characteristics of avoidant personality disorder (Burton 2012). Finally, Dimmesdale also displays acts of manipulation throughout the story. His most prominent manipulative actions are those taken on Hester. Attempting to make Hester choose sides, Arthur says "We are not, Hester, the worst sinners in the world. There is one worse than even the polluted priest! That old man's revenge has been blacker than my