Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale In The Scarlet Letter By Nathaniel Hawthorne

The Scarlet Letter Character Analysis- Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale In The Scarlet Letter, Arthur Dimmesdale is known as a man of mystery. He is the town’s almighty preacher that guides them in paths of righteousness. But he is merely a man of God, although that’s how the people of Boston, Massachusetts perceive him. Throughout the book, Dimmesdale’s struggles with his sin, guilt, and hypocrisy are seen. Dimmesdale’s character is developed through his actions and the way other characters view him. He is the quintessential archetype of the sinner that conceives his own grievous downfall. Arthur Dimmesdale is best known for his hypocrisy in the novel. He is Boston’s most beloved reverend. But the public fails to see that he commits adultery with Hester Prynne. While Hester is publicly shammed and forced to wear a scarlet “A,” Dimmesdale remains silent about his transgressions. Because he is a public figure, he believes he should stay quiet for the sake of the people. His guilt is

But through his suffering, he becomes a more relatable preacher. He inevitably gives more palpable sermons and is able to lead his congregation more deliberately. Chillingsworth illustrates the idea that Dimmesdale is still an exceptional man and preacher by telling Hester, “My finger, point[ing] at this man, would [hurl] him from his pulpit into a dungeon. . .” (167). Chillingsworth prefers physiologically torturing Dimmesdale rather than taking away his respected position in the church. Dimmesdale knows that his sin is out of love, and he justifies it by saying, “. . . That old man’s [Chillingsworth] sin [is] blacker than my sin. He [is violating] the sanctity of a human heart. . .” (191). Chillingsworth is putting Dimmesdale through great mental and physical travails for revenge while Dimmesdale’s sin is for his love of Hester and he is now doing everything he can to get back in God’s good