How is Arthur Dimmesdale described in The Scarlet Letter?
Dimmesdale, the personification of “human frailty and sorrow,” is young, pale, and physically delicate. He has large, melancholy eyes and a tremulous mouth, suggesting great sensitivity. An ordained Puritan minister, he is well educated, and he has a philosophical turn of mind.
What Dimmesdale says about himself?
Dimmesdale’s shame evolves from his feelings of guilt because of his tremendous hypocrisy. He, more than any other character, personifies the evil of Puritanism’s refusal to forgive the sinner, causing a greater evil, that of the worm of hypocrisy which eats away at the soul.
How does Dimmesdale suffer in The Scarlet Letter?
His guilt was mentally torturing him and drove him to despair. The uncontrollable helpless feeling of despair brought Dimmesdale immense suffering to the point where he almost lost his mind. Dimmesdale, unlike Hester, had an undying guilt that would forever torture him until his death.
Why is Dimmesdale the most guilty?
“All the dread of public exposure, that had so long been the anguish of his life, had returned upon him.” This line reveals the fear that leads to Dimmesdale being unable to take responsibility for his actions, thus leading to his overwhelming guilt.
Is Arthur Dimmesdale a protagonist or antagonist?
The protagonists of the novel are Hester Prynne and Arthur Dimmesdale, both bearers of a Scarlet Letter of Adultery, one public and one private. Hester Prynne, the bearer of the scarlet letter in public, is the central character of the book.
How would you describe Arthur Dimmesdale character and his relationship with Hester?
Hester Prynne’s relationship with Dimmesdale is key to Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter. Dimmesdale represented the life that Hester might have led if not for the birth of Pearl. Overcome with guilt and empathetic love for Hester, Dimmesdale tortured himself and allowed himself to be tortured by Chillingworth.
What sin did Dimmesdale commit?
adultery
In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel The Scarlet Letter, Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale falls in love with Hester Prynne and commits adultery.
What chapter in the scarlet letter does Dimmesdale confess?
But there stood one in the midst of you, at whose brand of sin and infamy ye have not shuddered!” Thus, in Chapter XXIII, the Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale confesses his sin as he opens his vestment and reveals the A, the mark above his heart.
Why did Dimmesdale keep his secret?
While he speaks, he grabs his chest as though he feels a sudden pain. Dimmesdale suggests that some men, however, keep their sins secret because if they confess, they will never again be able to do good for God.
Is Dimmesdale the protagonist of The Scarlet Letter?
Why is Chillingworth jealous of Dimmesdale?
As Chillingworth explains, “I shall seek this man, as I have sought truth in books.” His motivation seems to be mainly jealousy, because he knows Hester never loved or desired him, and he wants to see what type of man she was attracted to.
What sin does Dimmesdale commit in the Scarlet Letter?
In The Scarlet Letter, Dimmesdale was the one who committed adultery, but he is seen as a better character than Chillingwoth.
What are the characters in the Scarlet Letter?
The Scarlet Letter follows three characters, Hester Prynn, Reverend Dimmesdale, and Pearl. Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote the novel in 1850. The Scarlet Letter includes in his novel the infamous Christian view of sin and the knowledge that follows it.
What does the a mean to Dimmesdale in the Scarlet Letter?
It can be concluded that, the scarlet letter A on the bosom of Dimmesdale may stands for adultery, which is his sexual desire; anguish, his strong passion; and also ambition, his desire to success. Thus the scarlet letter A is the id of Dimmesdale, which is also his basic nature.
How does Dimmesdale punish himself?
To relieve his guilt, Dimmesdale punishes himself in several ways. He goes without food and sleep for long periods of time, and he also whips himself on his back, causing cuts and bleeding. These attempts to atone for his sins do not work. Neither does his later standing on the scaffold at night when no one can see him.