Dimmesdale's Guilt

The topics in The Scarlet Letter reflect the character’s physical and emotional health. Hester Prynne and Reverend Dimmesdale both share attributes that represent the topics of guilt, but display guilt in their own way. Hester and Dimmesdale display guilt based off their physical appearance. Body language exposes internal problems, emotions, and deep secrets. The characters expose themselves by releasing secrets unintentionally. Guilt affects Hester and Dimmesdale's actions by demolishing their inner self and taking them over mentally.

Hester’s inability to control her emotions affect her mentally. She conceals her emotions to an extent. However, bundling up feelings results in negative outcomes. Negativity and darkness surround Hester; her community become imperious. Hester asks for forgiveness: “Let

Guilt spreads throughout him as each day passes. According to Hawthorne, Dimmesdale compresses each emotion that has to do with his adultery with Hester: “to whom should be confided all the fear, the remorse, the agony . . . All that guilt sorrow, hidden from the world” (127). Hawthorne says all the “guilt sorrow, hidden from the world”, but is this true? Dimmesdale does keep the secret to himself, until the end, but physically he divulges his secret to the townspeople. For example, Dimmesdale’s actions show that he has something to hide: “He keeps vigils, likewise, night after night” (Hawthorne 127). Dimmesdale fears if his furtive sin becomes exposed, that his reputation in the community would vanish as well. Fear floods Dimmesdale’s brain at the thought of losing the communities support. He pities himself for risking his reputation: “Whose great heart would have pitied and forgiven . . .” (Hawthorne 127). Dimmesdale needs the guilt to dematerialize; however, pitting himself changes nothing. The topic of blame directly shows Dimmesdale in his natural form: