Actor Chazz Palminteri once said, “The saddest thing in life is wasted talent” (Chazz Palminteri. (n.d.). BrainyQuote.com. Retrieved May 7, 2017, from BrainyQuote.com Web site: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/c/chazzpalmi445813.html). This quote is true for Arthur Dimmesdale, who plays a significant role in the romantic, historical-fiction novel The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne. The Scarlet Letter tells the story of the talented, young minister Reverend Dimmesdale, who attempts to keep his sinful act of adultery with Hester Prynne a secret because he fears facing judgment. However, as time goes on, his remorse takes a toll on him mentally and physically. Arthur Dimmesdale’s intelligence and aptitude for preaching is
…show more content…
Dimmesdale’s introduction tells that he “[came] from one of the great English universities,” before he immigrated to New England (Hawthorne, 1994, p. 46). Because of his “eloquence and religious fervor,” Dimmesdale had already earned the “high[est] eminence in his profession” at his young age (Hawthorne, 1994, p. 46). However, Dimmesdale’s eminence is rightfully earned, considering the potency of his sermons. Even when he would allude to his sins, his congregation “heard it all, and did but reverence him the more” (Hawthorne, 1994, p. 99). Even through Dimmesdale’s decay, people were still saved by his work-- an example is given of one young lady who was recently “won by the Reverend Dimmesdale’s own sermon on the Sabbath” (Hawthorne, 1994, p. 150). Dimmesdale’s final sermon on election day caused his fans to say that “never had man spoken in so wise, so high, and so holy a spirit, as he that spake this day” (Hawthorne, 1994, p. 170). Dimmesdale’s prestigious background and influential sermons testify to his …show more content…
He went to a fantastic university and preaches renown sermons, but all his energy becomes focused on keeping his facade of holiness to hide his guilt. Dimmesdale’s distraction from his God-given gifts is a common plague for many Christians. When faced with the appeal of sin (adultery), people often do not realize the long-term effects (guilt). However, James 4:8 (The New King James Version) says, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you”-- which means everyone has the ability to overcome this
Dimmesdale’s introduction tells that he “[came] from one of the great English universities,” before he immigrated to New England (Hawthorne, 1994, p. 46). Because of his “eloquence and religious fervor,” Dimmesdale had already earned the “high[est] eminence in his profession” at his young age (Hawthorne, 1994, p. 46). However, Dimmesdale’s eminence is rightfully earned, considering the potency of his sermons. Even when he would allude to his sins, his congregation “heard it all, and did but reverence him the more” (Hawthorne, 1994, p. 99). Even through Dimmesdale’s decay, people were still saved by his work-- an example is given of one young lady who was recently “won by the Reverend Dimmesdale’s own sermon on the Sabbath” (Hawthorne, 1994, p. 150). Dimmesdale’s final sermon on election day caused his fans to say that “never had man spoken in so wise, so high, and so holy a spirit, as he that spake this day” (Hawthorne, 1994, p. 170). Dimmesdale’s prestigious background and influential sermons testify to his …show more content…
He went to a fantastic university and preaches renown sermons, but all his energy becomes focused on keeping his facade of holiness to hide his guilt. Dimmesdale’s distraction from his God-given gifts is a common plague for many Christians. When faced with the appeal of sin (adultery), people often do not realize the long-term effects (guilt). However, James 4:8 (The New King James Version) says, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you”-- which means everyone has the ability to overcome this