Character analysis of The Scarlett Letter
Character Analysis Essay: The Scarlet Letter
“Grief does not change you, Hazel. It reveals you.” These are the words of John Green in The Fault in Our stars. This also applies somewhat to Arthur Dimmesdale in The Scarlet Letter. Grief does not change him but his reaction to grief changes throughout the book. Reverend Dimmesdale changes in the beginning, middle and end of the book. Rev Dimmesdale is religiously strict and is well trusted in the beginning of the book. Dimmesdale is very strict and doesn’t like any funny business in his congregation. This is evident when Hester is getting out of jail and someone in the crowd says “…the Reverend Master Dimmesdale, her godly pastor, takes it very grievously that such a scandal should have come upon his congregation.” (48). He does not support his flock being led into temptation as he is considered very righteous and for all everyone knows, he mind as well become the next Pope. He is also well trusted amongst the people of New England. How much they trust him is best said by governor Bellingham, “the responsibility of this woman’s soul lies greatly with you. It behooves you, therefore, to exhort her to repentance, and to confession, as a proof and consequence thereof.” (62). The people trust him with their souls, which, at that time period was worth more than anything in the world. In the middle of the book, dimmesdale becomes guilty. No matter who you are, there is temptation. Dimmesdale explains why he fell in to temptation and how he feels about Hester. “…old as I was, and misshapen as I was -, that the simple bliss which is scattered far and wide, for all mankind to gather up, might yet be mine.”(69). This is how strongly dimmesdale felt about Hester yet he continues to beat himself up for it. He explains this to Chillingworth indirectly when he asks, “you deal not, I take it, in medicine for the soul!” (125). The reason he ‘needs medicine for the soul is because of the guilt he feels for what the situation
“Grief does not change you, Hazel. It reveals you.” These are the words of John Green in The Fault in Our stars. This also applies somewhat to Arthur Dimmesdale in The Scarlet Letter. Grief does not change him but his reaction to grief changes throughout the book. Reverend Dimmesdale changes in the beginning, middle and end of the book. Rev Dimmesdale is religiously strict and is well trusted in the beginning of the book. Dimmesdale is very strict and doesn’t like any funny business in his congregation. This is evident when Hester is getting out of jail and someone in the crowd says “…the Reverend Master Dimmesdale, her godly pastor, takes it very grievously that such a scandal should have come upon his congregation.” (48). He does not support his flock being led into temptation as he is considered very righteous and for all everyone knows, he mind as well become the next Pope. He is also well trusted amongst the people of New England. How much they trust him is best said by governor Bellingham, “the responsibility of this woman’s soul lies greatly with you. It behooves you, therefore, to exhort her to repentance, and to confession, as a proof and consequence thereof.” (62). The people trust him with their souls, which, at that time period was worth more than anything in the world. In the middle of the book, dimmesdale becomes guilty. No matter who you are, there is temptation. Dimmesdale explains why he fell in to temptation and how he feels about Hester. “…old as I was, and misshapen as I was -, that the simple bliss which is scattered far and wide, for all mankind to gather up, might yet be mine.”(69). This is how strongly dimmesdale felt about Hester yet he continues to beat himself up for it. He explains this to Chillingworth indirectly when he asks, “you deal not, I take it, in medicine for the soul!” (125). The reason he ‘needs medicine for the soul is because of the guilt he feels for what the situation