In The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, it is debated as to whether Arthur Dimmesdale acted out of bravery or cowardice. The book, if one were to delve deeper into the text, reveals that Dimmesdale is not a valiant man, but rather an abashed one. From the beginning, Arthur Dimmesdale is aware of the power that he holds over those who idolize him. He hides behind his holy position, misuses it, and commits adultery with Hester Prynn, a god-fearing woman who fell into his grasp. However, Dimmesdale’s damage to his morals does not stop there: he refuses to confess to his deeds. Dimmesdale hides his shame out of fear of persecution, and is reluctant to speak a word of it until his dying day. Lastly, to add to his damaged pride, Dimmesdale is wishing for Hester and Pearl’s acceptance, but is
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He is reluctant to stand with Hester on the scaffold, will not speak up for her, and again, refuses to confess his shared sin.
First and foremost, it is critical to discuss Dimmesdale’s self-knowledge of his influence over the Boston Puritan community to understand his ability of manipulation. He’s revered among the people, as portrayed in the description of him,”... the Reverend Mr. Dimmesdale; a young clergyman, who had come from one of the great English universities, bringing all the learning of the age into our wild forest-land. His eloquence and religious fervor had already given the earnest of high eminence in his profession.”(Hawthorne 62). This excerpt is a direct reflection of how the public eye holds Arthur, and how among their simple society, it is commonly accepted that he is among one of the brightest. From the very beginning, it is established that he has an understood higher position among the Puritans. The book, however, introduces Dimmesdale’s own thoughts on his holy status among the townsmen. When he
He is reluctant to stand with Hester on the scaffold, will not speak up for her, and again, refuses to confess his shared sin.
First and foremost, it is critical to discuss Dimmesdale’s self-knowledge of his influence over the Boston Puritan community to understand his ability of manipulation. He’s revered among the people, as portrayed in the description of him,”... the Reverend Mr. Dimmesdale; a young clergyman, who had come from one of the great English universities, bringing all the learning of the age into our wild forest-land. His eloquence and religious fervor had already given the earnest of high eminence in his profession.”(Hawthorne 62). This excerpt is a direct reflection of how the public eye holds Arthur, and how among their simple society, it is commonly accepted that he is among one of the brightest. From the very beginning, it is established that he has an understood higher position among the Puritans. The book, however, introduces Dimmesdale’s own thoughts on his holy status among the townsmen. When he