What happened to Dimmesdale and why?
Dimmesdale is broken by his own sense of guilt, and he publicly confesses his adultery before dying in Hester’s arms. Only Hester can face the future bravely, as she prepares to begin a new life with her daughter, Pearl, in Europe.
What secret sin has Dimmesdale committed?
Dimmesdale, as it is later made known, commits the serious crime of adultery with a young married woman named Hester Prynne living in the Plymouth Colony. Hester is unwilling to reveal her partner in sin. Dimmesdale’s fear of persecution and humiliation forces him to keep his sin a secret.
What is the only truth for Dimmesdale?
The only truth, “that continued to give Mr. Dimmesdale a real existence on this earth, was the anguish in his inmost soul, and the undissembled expression of it in his aspect”(100). This sin and his suffering had taken over his life; he had nothing else.
Why is Dimmesdale important?
The most important aspect of Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale’s character is his role within the Puritan community. As a Puritan minister, he is supposed to be the highest example of the Puritan faith. Since he is a genuine believer, his affair with Hester Prynne weighs on him heavily.
Why did Dimmesdale rush from the room?
Dimmesdale, recognizing Chillingworth’s accuracy, does not wish to reveal his sin to anyone. He runs out of the room to avoid being trapped into a confession.
Is Dimmesdale a coward?
Arthur Dimmesdale’s inability to confess is strictly due to his fear of confrontation thus characterizing him as a coward. The fact that Dimmesdale does not publicly acknowledge or reveal his sin only contributes in denouncing himself as well as his courage.
How does Dimmesdale hide his sin?
Arthur Dimmesdale’s sin was the same as Hester’s, except Arthur, through his own disagreeable actions, leaves himself in a position to either ignore the community’s idea that he is a pure and Godly man or to trick them. For most of The Scarlet Letter, Dimmesdale chose to lie.
Why does Dimmesdale feel guilty?
“All the dread of public exposure, that had so long been the anguish of his life, had returned upon him.” This line reveals the fear that leads to Dimmesdale being unable to take responsibility for his actions, thus leading to his overwhelming guilt.
How would you describe the character of Dimmesdale Why explain your interpretation?
Dimmesdale, the personification of “human frailty and sorrow,” is young, pale, and physically delicate. He has large, melancholy eyes and a tremulous mouth, suggesting great sensitivity. An ordained Puritan minister, he is well educated, and he has a philosophical turn of mind.
What does Chillingworth see on Dimmesdale’s chest?
One day, not long afterward, Chillingworth finds Dimmesdale asleep in a chair. Pulling aside the minister’s vestment, he stares at the clergyman’s chest. What he sees there causes “a wild look of wonder, joy, and horror,” and he does a spontaneous dance of ecstasy.
What kind of character is Dimmesdale?
Character Analysis Arthur Dimmesdale Dimmesdale, the personification of “human frailty and sorrow,” is young, pale, and physically delicate. He has large, melancholy eyes and a tremulous mouth, suggesting great sensitivity. An ordained Puritan minister, he is well educated, and he has a philosophical turn of mind.
Why was Dimmesdale’s suffering worse than Hester’s?
The Scarlet Letter essay: Why was Dimmesdale’s Suffering Worse Than Hester’s? In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter, Mr. Dimmesdale’s greatest secret is his sin of adultery with Hester Prynne. Mr.
Why does Mr Dimmesdale keep his identity a secret?
Mr. Dimmesdale feared that his soul could not bear the shame of such a disclosure because of his status as an important moral figure in society. As a result, he keeps his identity a secret as Hester is publicly ridiculed for their act of adultery.
How did Dimmesdale’s cowardice lead to his death?
It caused Hester to be ostracized, but Dimmesdale’s cowardice in not confessing lead ultimately, to his death. Hester had a horrible punishment: she had to wear a scarlet letter for the rest of her life. But Dimmesdale’s internal struggle with his own cowardice and guilt was far worse than a scarlet letter.