Arthur Dimmesdale In The Scarlet Letter

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A hero is defined as a person who is admired for their bravery, their ability to perform amazing feats, or displaying noble qualities. In the novel “The Scarlet Letter,” by Nathaniel Hawthorne, minister Arthur Dimmesdale, the man with whom Hester Prynne committed adultery and had a child, does not fit this definition. Throughout the novel, he leaves Hester to take the criticisms and abuse of the townspeople, while he continues to live his life normally. Although he does reveal his sins at the end of the story, he does so when he has nothing left to lose; as he drops dead in front of the congregation directly afterwards. While he privately toils and attempts to cope with his guilt, he does not outwardly display the traits of a hero, and so…show more content…
In the beginning of the novel, he appears to find it quite easy to continue his life as it was before he and Hester found each other. For example, while the city puts her on display on the scaffolding in the third chapter, Dimmesdale is one of three men assigned the task of condemning Hester. He asks her once to reveal the father of her daughter Pearl, and does so in a manner that would convince a weaker person to confess. However, Hester is far too obstinate to comply, and rather than pressing her further or admitting himself, Dimmesdale instead backs down and relents to her choice. He marvels at her, saying, “Wondrous strength and generosity of a woman’s heart! She will not speak!” Despite his gradual descent into self punishment and soul-eating guilt, the minister still really only seeks the forgiveness of God, rather than that of the woman being subjected to ridicule and alienation partially due to his folly. In the end, he still cannot stand on his own to admit his sins, and requires the support of Hester and Pearl to do so. As he dies directly after his confession, it seems almost as if he only builds up the courage for fear of not being welcomed by his God upon his…show more content…
As the story progresses, it is evident that the more he tortures himself in his shame, the better his sermons become, which aids in bettering his congregation as people. Motivated by his skill and desire to help others, the minister withstands his internal suffering and still does not put Hester first as she did for him. Although eventually this aspect causes Dimmesdale to become very distraught, he still would rather whip himself and starve than confess to being Pearl’s father. In the context of the story, which revolves around Hester’s plights due to the wrongs she and Dimmesdale committed, his sermons simply do not make him heroic. Not only is Dimmesdale neither courageous nor able to perform amazing acts, he does not outwardly display any noble qualities that could deem him a
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