Within the novel titled The Scarlet Letter written by Nathanial Hawthorne Reverend Dimmesdale drastically develops throughout the novel, from being a symbol of Puritan religion to displeasing the population of the Puritan expectations. His appearance as well as his privilege and prominence within the community alters radically. He began the novel as the town minister, and later, the shame of Hester accepting the entirety of the blame and the fact that he escaped with no punishment or shame from the town ultimately consumed him. Throughout the novel, it was revealed that he had a red mark on his chest in correlation to the “A” that was displayed on Hester’s chest. Dimmesdale also represented irony in the sense that he was meant to be a purified
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From the beginning, he was among the few who judged Hester and decided the fate of her punishment. Hawthorne states, “’She will not speak!’ murmured Mr. Dimmesdale, who leaving over the balcony, with his hand upon his heart, had waited the result of his appeal. He now drew back, with a long respiration. ‘Wondrous strength and generosity of a woman’s heart! She will not speak!’”( 64). Within the four walls of the court, he attempted to persuade Hester to reveal the identity of the father of Pearl, but when Hester denied his request, he doesn’t further the argument in hopes that he does not suffer as well as Hester. Later, he became aware that because he escaped the wrath of Puritan punishment and allowed Hester to bear the humiliation …show more content…
Before this news, he was the poster Puritan, then he started to appear healthier. He begins to become an impulsive person, he actually had to restrain himself from injuring others personal Puritan faith. He felt relieved from the shame that the Puritan religion brought on him for so long, although it wasn’t his punishment, but merely watching Hester go through their trials and tribulations was punishment enough for him. After this change in behavior, he decides it is time to admit to his congregation of his sin that they viewed as an abomination. He comes forth with Hester and Pearl and reveals the long wanted truth. He decides to reveal himself not because he knew that the way he was living was not ideal, he knew he deserved more. He revealed himself so he didn’t have to keep living the way he did, the guilt that consumed him to the fullest
From the beginning, he was among the few who judged Hester and decided the fate of her punishment. Hawthorne states, “’She will not speak!’ murmured Mr. Dimmesdale, who leaving over the balcony, with his hand upon his heart, had waited the result of his appeal. He now drew back, with a long respiration. ‘Wondrous strength and generosity of a woman’s heart! She will not speak!’”( 64). Within the four walls of the court, he attempted to persuade Hester to reveal the identity of the father of Pearl, but when Hester denied his request, he doesn’t further the argument in hopes that he does not suffer as well as Hester. Later, he became aware that because he escaped the wrath of Puritan punishment and allowed Hester to bear the humiliation …show more content…
Before this news, he was the poster Puritan, then he started to appear healthier. He begins to become an impulsive person, he actually had to restrain himself from injuring others personal Puritan faith. He felt relieved from the shame that the Puritan religion brought on him for so long, although it wasn’t his punishment, but merely watching Hester go through their trials and tribulations was punishment enough for him. After this change in behavior, he decides it is time to admit to his congregation of his sin that they viewed as an abomination. He comes forth with Hester and Pearl and reveals the long wanted truth. He decides to reveal himself not because he knew that the way he was living was not ideal, he knew he deserved more. He revealed himself so he didn’t have to keep living the way he did, the guilt that consumed him to the fullest