Tension Created By Arthur Dimmesdale In The Scarlet Letter By Nathaniel Hawthorne

One’s obligations to society go hand in hand with the desire to embrace individuality. Such is the case with The Scarlet Letter, a novel written by Nathaniel Hawthorne in 1850. The tension is seen in the protagonist of the story, Dimmesdale. His attempts to reconcile with his family are ironic, as Puritans left England in the 1600’s to escape judgment of others. Dimmsdale’s psychological struggle to keep the secret of him being Pearl’s father and maintain public appearance as a well-respected minister in a Puritan society. Throughout the novel it is constantly being conveyed the progression of his desire to confess his sins, and display how this feeling overpowers his inclination to protect his status . Chillingsworth’s character

In this section Hester is being faced with public ignominy for committing adultery. After voraciously finding Hester at the market his face “Twisted itself across his features, like a snake gliding swiftly over them” (52). The usage of dramatic irony amplifies Dimmesdale’s inner turmoil of his guilt and shame. Where the twisting of his features suggests his emotional and mental pain that he experiences as he hides his sin. He slowly awaits for Hester to reveal his sin, “Speak out the name of thy fellow-sinner and fellow-sufferer!” which shows his cowardness and his unwillingness to confess (57). In this moment he acknowledges his guilt and captures the psychological pressure being created by society and moral obligations as a father. After her conviction for not revealing the father’s name Dimmesdale is ecstatic and repeatedly says “She will not speak!” (58). This exemplifies the internal struggle of Dimmesdale to confess his sins coming hand in hand with his duties and reputation as minister. Showing how he is conforming to society’s

He wants to be free from the double edged dagger of which he eventually can’t overcome. The use of irony signifies his desire to have change or to be free from his sin, but he never takes action or relies on others to disclose his sin. Hawthorne’s novel indicates how often one wants to take action or make an improvement in their lives, but fear the repercussions or being shamed by society for the sins we have committed. Where the road of redemption is only possible when one is willing to accept the reverberations that come with the mistake they acknowledge. By passing the blame on to others would just make their situation