How Did Arthur Dimmesdale Change Throughout The Scarlet Letter

The Scarlet Letter is a novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne about the weight of sin and guilt. The story begins in Massachusetts during the 1600’s. Hester Prynne, the protagonist of the story, has committed adultery with someone in the town, but no one knows who her lover is. As punishment for her sins, she must wear an embroidered scarlet “A” on her chest. Arthur Dimmesdale, the town's preacher, noticeably becomes quite ill once the scandal breaks out. His entire nature begins to change both physically and spiritually. Inside of Arthur Dimmesdale, there are conflicting forces constantly gnawing at his mind. The two conflicting forces within Arthur Dimmesdale, sin and holiness, reflect the entire novel’s meaning. From the beginning of the novel, Arthur Dimmesdale is described as a holy saint that walks among the evil townspeople. Everyone hold Arthur to the highest standard and believes that he can do no wrong. He is the

Hawthorne states he became pale and sickly, and was not the same physically powerful man everyone once knew. Many townspeople believed that his preaching drained him and that is the reason he looks so sick. However in contrast to his sickly appearance, Arthur’s sermons became increasingly passionate. The townspeople were amazed at the power and force when he preaches. In a sense, Arthur’s sin made him a better preacher. Without transgressions God’s glory would not be shown. In order for a sinner such as Arthur Dimmesdale to realize the glory of God, he must see the evil that contrast the greater good. With the idea that Arthur has experienced sin, this explains why his sermons become so powerful. Once Arthur talks to Hester in woods, his appearance changes. Pearl notices the change in Arthur and begins to question if he is the same minister. This again reflects the novel’s meaning in that it contrats sin and holiness in Arthur's appearance and