Arthur Dimmesdale is a great man and also a priest, but later on in his life when he met Hester it seemed like everything turned to sin. Arthur was a very strong and knowledgeable man. He stood strong in the values he preached and also in the words he said. In the Scarlet Letter written by Nathaniel Hawthorne sin was entered by a man and a woman. It wasn't planned to happen the way it did but when Arthur and Hester met it was instant love. This was shocking to know that the priest was the one to have a baby with a married woman but also shocking to see how his town viewed him after knowing the fact. With the choice Arthur Dimmesdale made at that one instant time would be a choice he would have to live with for the rest of his life. With this choice came guilt, responsibility Gods power, and also shame. Not only to him but to the people around him that knew what kind of person he was. Arthur Dimmesdale didn't realize the consequence of his actions at the time because he still thought that the town would still have his back. The sad part is that once he confessed and told the town they turned their back on him. Guilt was already set in him as soon as he done what he did, but when his town turned on him it took it to a whole different level. It was easy to know how guilt was set in him because of the way his character felt after hearing that Hester was pregnant. Arthur knew who it was as soon as Hester said it. This affects the story in a great way because this is a great christian man with strong morals. Arthur is a priest of God and to commit such a sin was terrible. Not only in his eyes and the towns eyes but in Gods eyes and that was the most painful thing to Arthur. When Arthur feels this pain its not really physical to him its actually personal, because he knew how great of a christian man he was. Arthurs sin in this story gets him into a lot of trouble with his town but also gets him out of trouble as well. This is so because throughout the story Arthur felt like he was missing something in his life. Yes he was the priest and a christian man but he was still missing love and when he met Hester it felt like his whole life was changed. He was in huge trouble in the towns eyes and they were going to kill him, but in Gods eye after Arthur confessed that he had committed a sin and asked God for forgiveness Arthur was still his son. This also shows how God got Arthur out of a horrible situation he was in and turned it into a great situation. Arthur Dimmesdale also had to take responsibility of his actions. During the trial the judge asked Hester who was the father and she didn't tell. Arthur tried every way to get Hester out of going to jail but there was nothing he could do to stop it. You could see the pain in Arthurs eyes because he knew it was his but at the same time he was shocked. At this time Arthur really didn't feel like he was ready to take the responsibility but then when she was put in jail you could really see it set in. Arthur promised Hester that he wouldn't tell but through his actions you could see that he wanted to. "I, your pastor, whom you so reverence and trust, am utterly a pollution and a lie….!" (Hawthrone, 95). When he visited Hester in jail he seemed heartbroken because he knew that she was going through a ruff time. This didn't help because it made him want to tell even more but he knew that he couldn't because he promised Hester that he wouldn't tell. This trait affects the story greatly because it shows how he kept his promise but still had a fire burning inside of him because he tried every way to tell but not with his words, with his actions. This helps the characters relationship with others because it showed Hester that she could trust him no matter what. It also helps his relationship with others because without him announcing it to the town they still viewed him as their reverend and had great respect for him. Personally Arthur Dimmesdale is feeling the guilt and shame, not from others but from God. He knows that he has done wrong because him and Hester are not married and that is a sin. Dimmesdale is now feeling Gods power of his actions. God is allowing him to go through some hard trials and he is feeling the affect. This is easily shown because you can tell that Arthur is slowly breaking down but he is still trying to be strong. The way he preaches isn't the same, he doesn't have that power in his words like he used to. He doesn't even walk in the same movement that he used to. He was starting to put his hand over his heart, this may be Arthur asking the Lord to forgive him. He couldn't ask for forgiveness in public because he promised Hester that he wouldn't tell. This affected the story because it showed how a sin like this could affect a strong man like Dimmesdale. His relationships with others was still the same because they didn't know but it was surely about to come out. Once the towns people had the witches and Hester on the platform before they were about to be hang Arthur Dimmesdale finally announced what he had done. This affected his relationship with the town because they thought of him as their reverend, and strong willing man of the Lord. This hurts Arthur because the towns people were wanting to hang him now, but Arthur wanted to take Hesters place and die because thats how much he loved her and his daughter. They were'nt able to hang Arthur tho because he took his final breath right there before they got to him. That may have been the Lord telling him that it was time to go.
You May Also Find These Documents Helpful
-
Arthur Dimmesdale is the pastor of this small puritan town, who has a secret affair with this girl named Hester Prynne. Hester gets pregnant and is publicly shamed in front of everyone in the town. Dimmesdale decides not to come out and tell everyone that he is her lover, by not doing this Dimmesdale causes himself great emotional pain. Most people just inferred that Dimmesdale would never do anything like this and didn't even think to question him. Unlike Ms. Prynne who confronts her guilt and shame early on in the story, Dimmesdale holds onto his guilt secretly until he finally goes through a process of, at first blaming Hester, then realizing that it wasn't all her fault, to having such strong guilt that he starts hurting himself, to doubting that he will ever get better, after which he comes out and shows everyone his scarlet letter, this…
- 1375 Words
- 6 Pages
Good Essays -
Arthur’s view on the situation is he also had committed adultery. Arthur Dimmesdale’s sin had a big impact on him because his guilt was eating him alive. This sin cause him much suffering and pain, physically and mentally. I would sometimes whip myself because I knew my wrong doings, Dimmesdale explained. One night I had home out to the scaffold and had just stood there screaming. I then see Hester and Pearl and they join he on the scaffold. Pearl then asks me, “Are you going to stand here with us tomorrow?” No, I…
- 535 Words
- 3 Pages
Good Essays -
Arthur Dimmesdale, or better yet, Pearl’s father, is a dynamic character. The minister undergoes an exploration of guilt, love, violence and remorse during the pages of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel, The Scarlet Letter. During each scene new information is unveiled to reveal the true characteristics of the Hill’s beloved Reverend.…
- 686 Words
- 3 Pages
Good Essays -
Throughout The Scarlet Letter, Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale is tormented by his sin, leading to his inevitable death. Hester Prynne must live with the retributions of her adultery every day of her life, Pearl being a constant reminder. Even Chillingworth disintegrates under the power of his own sin, that of revenge. It seems Hawthorne is trying to make a point in his novel; that it is impossible to escape the consequences of your actions (especially in Puritan New England)!…
- 711 Words
- 3 Pages
Good Essays -
Dimmesdale can be classified as a tragic hero, but also has qualities that do not fit. His tragic flaw is actually an action that occurred in the past, and resulted in Hester Prynne's pregnancy, rather than something he was born with or into. Arthur Dimmesdale accepts death, even though with honor since he was able to concede to his relationship with Hester and Pearl. His greatness and legend left with the Puritan society is proven with the quote, “After exhausting life in his efforts for mankind’s spiritual good, he had made the manner of his death a parable, in order to impress on his admirers the mighty and mournful lesson, that, in the view of Infinite Purity, we are sinners all alike” (Hawthorne 243). Hester manages to support herself and Pearl, through sewing and still manages to give to and tend to the poor, becoming a "self-ordained a Sister of Mercy" (Hawthorne 150). She even manages to win the grudging respect of the townspeople, because she's full of "helpfulness," and so much "power to do, and power to sympathize" (Hawthorne 150). Hester’s character traits sufficiently describe one that accurately fits Henry Ward Beecher’s quote since she truly does improve the lives of others around her by correctly using her strengths for…
- 1139 Words
- 5 Pages
Better Essays -
Much of the guilt related irony that occurs in the story happens between Dimmesdale and Hester. It is ironic how Dimmesdale has an inner guilt about his adulterous sin although the town thinks of him as an angelic figure in the community. This inner guilt eventually manifests itself in a physical form which can be seen in this quote "A bodily disease, which we look upon as whole and entire within itself, may, after all, be but a symptom of some ailment in the spiritual part." (pg. 141) Also Hester being the one who was humiliated and publicly demised did not suffer as much as Dimmesdale. And quite ironically Hester survives all of the suffering she has gone through because she does not hold on to her guilt and at a point lets go of her guilt. Dimmesdale on the other hand dies of all the guilt that he has held onto this whole…
- 868 Words
- 4 Pages
Good Essays -
Arthur Dimmesdale was a key component in The Scarlet Letter, he committed the sin of adultery with Hester Prynne. Dimmesdale went through drastic physical and mental changes throughout the course of the novel. Between Roger Chillingworth torturing him in his home, and having to deny his daughter, Pearl, the recognition she deserves, Dimmesdale’s wellbeing has been damaged. Throughout the story Hawthorne shows Dimmesdale’s feelings of pain and sorrow through not being able to confess his sins. Consequently, Dimmesdale has a problem.…
- 927 Words
- 4 Pages
Good Essays -
“When you point a finger at someone else, then three fingers point back at you” (My Second Grade Teacher). In the Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne jeers at the absurd Puritan era and crime and punishment. But the renowned author touches on a more personal theme, an issue that everyone has come across: self evaluation. Even though Hester Prynne, a honest adulterer, and Arthur Dimmesdale, a untruthful priest, are first to sin it is still viewed that Robert Chillingworth, an abandoned husband seeking revenge, has “violated the sanctity of human heart” (Hawthorne 234). To compare the sin that was brought on by choice and sin initiated by another should not be evaluated.There is no argument that Chillingworth’s revenge on Dimmesdale is evil, he plotted against Dimmesdale soon as he confirmed he was Hester’s lover. But the aggravators of sin, Hester and Dimmesdale, must be held responsible for the effects of their actions. Unlike Hester, Dimmesdale refuses to confess to having premarital sex. Adulturing is sinful but the lies, acting, and observing others take the full…
- 894 Words
- 4 Pages
Good Essays -
In conclusion, this idea of appearances being deceiving outwards is true for the characters Hester Prynne, Arthur Dimmesdale, and Roger Chillingworth. Hester even though “committed” a sin, was alway a kind and helpful person. Dimmesdale is the minister of the town and everyone assumes he would do no sin however he did, he kept a secret that he is Pearl’s father. Also,…
- 527 Words
- 3 Pages
Good Essays -
Arthur Dimmesdale was a very important character in The Scarlet Letter. He encountered many problems and resolved them throughout the novel. He changes a lot throughout the novel, physical and mentally. While reading the novel, the reader can relate to Dimmesdale by his actions and feelings. Minister Arthur Dimmesdale explains the moral of the story, and helps the reader understand what the novel is about.…
- 719 Words
- 3 Pages
Good Essays -
The downfall of an individual can grow from the societal influences of society’s compulsion to conform. In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter, Hester Prynne and reverend Arthur Dimmesdale endeavor to assimilate to the expectations of a puritan society. Throughout the novel, Prynne and Dimmesdale fight to make amends for their sin of adultery, and as the town glares a spiteful eye at Prynne, Dimmesdale hides away, still loved by all. Prynne makes a conscious decision to embrace her quarantine from the community’s shunning. However, Dimmesdale faces an internal battle of shame and guilt while concealing his immorality. Prynne and Dimmesdale suffer the fate of alienation, however, Prynne accepts isolation, becoming steadfast, while Dimmesdale…
- 755 Words
- 4 Pages
Good Essays -
Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter is set in a gloomy, distressed, religious atmosphere in Boston, Massachusetts with multiple main characters known for the sins they have done. One of those being a man named Arthur Dimmesdale, who is known for being a sinful and hypocritical individual. He is part of the Puritan community who are very judgmental people, which sets up the perfect situation for confrontations. Nathaniel Hawthorne illustrates his theme that secrets that are hidden will have its consequences. Dimmesdale is very conflicted with himself and also with the community; he struggles with doing the what is right.…
- 879 Words
- 4 Pages
Good Essays -
As his lie grows so does Dimmesdale’s inner turmoil of pretending to be someone he is not. By keeping his sin deep down inside, Dimmesdale is not only being untrue to the people he interacts with, but he is also being untrue to himself. “To the untrue man, the whole universe is false-it is impalpable-it shrinks to nothing within his grasp. And he himself, in so far as he shows himself in a false light, becomes a shadow, or, indeed, ceases to exist,” where as the true man is confident as to where he stands in the universe, and will be bathed in the glorious light of life (Hawthorne 137). Being true to yourself will not only allow a person to become their own person, but it also allows that person to be sure of the role they have in life. Therefore being honest and true has only positive effects, while being untrue leads someone to having self-doubt, fear, and ultimately losing the person that they once were. In Dimmesdale’s case, he is doubting all of his actions and is slowly letting his own personality slip and be lost forever, he must come clean to save the real Arthur Dimmesdale and become himself again. Confessing his sin is the only way, which Dimmesdale does in order to become his own self for Pearl at least once. “May God forgive thee!’ said the minister. ‘Thou too, hast deeply sinned!’ [...] dear little Pearl, wilt thou kiss me now?” As a changed man, one who now will not hide his sin (Hawthorne 242). On his deathbed Dimmesdale finally confesses his sin and turns to his daughter that he has pretended doesn’t exist, and he asks for a kiss from her-father to daughter-as the real Arthur Dimmesdale. Finally happy, because the man had been true to himself and others and not continuing a horrid lie. Proving that being truthful will have only positive effects from it, while being untrue will only wreak havoc and chaos in a…
- 1215 Words
- 5 Pages
Good Essays -
In The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne utilizes Puritan ideology to convey a philosophical reflection on sin and redemption. Adulteress Hester Prynne must wear a scarlet A to mark her shame, and while her lover, Arthur Dimmesdale, remains unidentified and is wracked with guilt, her husband, Roger Chillingworth, seeks revenge. Although all three characters contemplate redemption, it is only Hester that chooses to confront her sin; Dimmesdale and Chillingworth refuse. This decision is heavily influenced by their respective morals. Hester’s morals of truth, forgiveness, and honesty allow her to be almost fully redeemed in the eyes of the public, whereas Dimmesdale's perverse loyalty to the morally corrupt society that hinders his love for…
- 971 Words
- 4 Pages
Good Essays -
“The Scarlet Letter” written by Nathaniel Hawthorne is based off the early colonial age of New England, where religion played a huge role in shaping society and life. Throughout the book, sin was a constant factor that plays a role in Reverend Dimmesdale’s life. Committing one of the unforgivable sins, adultery, with Hester, he lets his guilt control his life. However, it is better that Dimmesdale doesn’t confess his sin because it leads to Dimmesdale having greater influence over the community, and it helps him understand who he is in the process.…
- 886 Words
- 4 Pages
Good Essays