The third literary device used is setting. In both stories the setting has a major influence in the way the characters act. For example both characters struggle between duty and desire. Dimmesdale’s duty is his job as a minister and to be there as a role model for the community. While contemplating coming forward, Dimmesdale says to Chillingsworth, “Perhaps they feel that, once their evil has been revealed, they will no longer be able to achieve good in the world” (Hawthorne 73). When he says this he means that he wants to confess but does not what good will come out of his life after he does. But his desire is to have a relationship with Pearl and to know her and watch her grow up. But Dimmesdale knows that he would lose his job and his status in society if he was to claim Pearl as his own. When the reader sees this they realize how the theme of sin and guilt relates to Dimmesdale because Dimmesdale has a great deal of guilt from the sin of adultery he commits with Hester and about getting her pregnant and not owning up about being the father. Ethan's desire is to run away with Mattie and to live with her. But, his duty is to stay with his wife Zeena and take care of her. Also in both stories because of the setting it is wrong for the characters to go with their desire. In Ethan Frome Ethan knows he will be shunned and scorned for leaving his wife.