Character of Dimmesdale in "The Scarlet Letter"

1014 Words5 Pages
Dimmesdale's character is used to demonstrate how the guilt caused by concealing ones sin can cause much harm to both the physical and emotionalstate of a person. Through this idea, Hawthorne exemplifies the importance of confessing to a sin and taking responsibility for ones actions to get rid of any unnecessary suffering. Throughout the novel, the guilt and shame that is associated with concealing his sin of adultery eats Dimmesdale away emotionally. This is shown when he tells Hester that his scarlet letter “burns in secret”(151), which shows the emotional toll the secrecy of his sins has had on Dimmesdale. He wears a scarlet letter on his soul which ruins his inner self more than any scarlet letter worn in public and this internal scarlet letter greatly contributes to the increasing decay of his soul. Also being known as a pious and blameless reverend worsens his emotional state, for Dimmesdale can not handle living a lie and having to accept the constant compliments of his peers, all the while knowing his outward persona is a lie. The fact that he must receive these compliments without correcting them only increases his guilt. He goes on to say that he is “all falsehood, all emptiness all death”(151), which perfectly describes Dimmesdale’s current emotional state. He is a living, breathing representation of hypocrisy and being such a symbol takes a great toll on him emotionally. He is so miserable that his soul is nothing but emptiness and death. He no longer has the same energy and high spirits he used to have. His soul is empty of feeling and emotion other than those of grief and guilt. It is as if he embodies the remains of the old Dimmesdale who was “simple and child-like”(55). Furthermore, the heavy burdens of guilt has great effects on his sensitive soul. Unlike Hester, Dimmesdale does not have the kind of emotional strength needed to handle the
Open Document