been proven true in many people's lives, but is also a harsh fact that Boston's Rev. Dimmesdale, a key character in Nathaniel Hawthorne's the Scarlet Letter, had to face. In this twisted story of deception and adultery set in the Puritan era, Hawthorne introduces Dimmesdale as a weak and cowardly man who refuses to take responsibility for his actions. Yet, he transitions to a person who accepts his sins and the consequences, before it is too late, ultimately finding happiness.

At the beginning of the novel, Dimmesdale has established quite a reputation

for himself. In discussing individual members of the magistrate, the towns people

describe Dimmesdale as a "God fearing" gentleman, "but merciful overmuch (Hawthorne 49)". Due to his actions, all of the people respect and look up to the Reverend.

Throughout the story, Dimmesdale desperately tries to confess, envying Hester, for her courage, he says, "Happy are you Hester, that wear the scarlet letter openly upon your bosom! (Hawthorne 188)" Even at the end of the novel, when finally attempting to confess, people are compelled by his final sermon, raving that "never had a

However, at the conclusion of the novel, Dimmesdale takes an enormous load off of his back when he swallows his pride and finally confesses. After he sees himself transformed into a man that wants to teach children blasphemous words, and to sing and get drunk with visiting sailors, or to violate a new bride; he realizes that the only way to happiness was not through self-punishment, but through honesty. Bravely confessing on the scaffold, yet doing so without allowing Hester to intervene, shows that he wants to repay her for her loyalty. As if his honesty was a final cure for not only his, but also Pearl's impish, condition; giving her what she had been yearning for all along, recognition, "Pearl kissed his lips. A spell was broken (Hawthorne 251)". And in attaining his peace and happiness, he dies. Nathaniel Hawthorne's major theme in the book was that people are only human and nothing else, and a character other than Dimmesdale could not have painted such a vivid, and memorable picture in one's mind.

man spoken in so wise, so high, and so holy a spirit, as he that spake this day (Hawthorne 243)". Proving that he was a very loved and influential man in the small town.

hypocrite. His outward demeanor deceives the villagers, appearing as a completely holy man. However, before the action of the novel begins,

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