Scarlet Letter ( An absent father)

The impact of a fatherless home has consequences that sometimes cannot be realized until much later in life. In addition, when a father who is in the ministry, commits a grievous sin, it affects not only his family’s views but the views of his congregation as well. The impacts of sins of the clergy are as consistent today as they were in time period this was written.

Arthur Dimmesdale, a minister, is the main character. While holding the high office of a minister he commits a grievous sin, the act of adultery. The impact of adultery has far reaching effects. Its affects Dimmesdale’s role as a spiritual influence to Hester, the woman he violated, and her views and relationship to God. It impacts the relationship with Pearl, the illegitimate child he fathered through this act, and her perception of God and man. However, most damaging is the distorted view he has of his relationship to God and the lack of understanding of God’s grace. Because of this understanding he will lead a life in which hypocrisy and guilt will be the chains that bind him.

It is important to note that Nathaniel Hawthorne, the author, writes from a

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As in the television show The Weakest Link: Dimmesdale’s understanding of God’s character was his weakest link. Dimmesdale did not view him as a Father. Therefore God himself was absent in Dimmesdale’s eyes. Much of this was fostered from a Puritan upbringing and reinforced in his vocation as a minister.

has committed adultery because she makes it very clear that she does not love Chillingworth. Chillingworth is merely a means to an end. Although Chillingworth is not a good man and has his own shortcomings, Hester has now caused him to sin as well. As if this was not enough she tries to get Dimmesdale to run away with her and Pearl while being married to Chillingworth. Chillingworth has his own agenda as well. He has made it his goal to be Dimmesdale’s adversary, to find him out as it were. Once again the lesson to be learned here is that no matter how “secret” the sin one commits there are at least

view of God. She had fallen in love with a minister. A man of God, but still a man. This is the one most important part that must be realized concerning her fall as well as Dimmesdale‘s. She had put her trust in Dimmesdale, and Dimmesdale had put his trust in his position. Surely Dimmesdale felt, as well as Hester, that they could overcome the temptation of adultery. When they sinned Hester’s view of God was that of Hester’s view of Dimmesdale. First, Dimmesdale has failed her. Second, Dimmesdale has left her. Third, it is up to her control my future. Hester did not ask God for forgiveness, instead she decides to find a man that can

Puritan frame of reference. He has been reared in a Puritan home. The Puritan view stressed rules and regulations with regard to leading a successful “religious”

take the humiliation and the penalty for him. Although Jesus did not sin, He was willing to take the humiliation and penalty for our sin.

Some topics in this essay:
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