(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 man spoken in so wise, so high, and so holy a spirit, as he that spake this day (p.243)". ... His outward demeanor deceives the villagers, appearing as a completely holy man. ...
Chillingworth affirms that men who don't reveal their sins " deceive themselves They fear to take up the shame that rightfully belongs to them their zeal for God's service, these holy impulses may or may not coexist in their hearts with the evil inmates" (122). ... The ending of chapter ten forebodes future inquiry on Chillingworth's behalf that will lead to a great revelation, hinted by Hawthorne, in Arthur Dimmesdale's spirit. ...
In my view, there may be Evangelicals who feel angry about having to do God's will who direct that anger against others that they demonize, but in my view they are not what one would consider "true believers" because a true Christian would rely upon the Holy Spirit to help him want to satisfy God's will, and this happens without creating anger or hatred. ... The pioneering spirit of Americans played a role in promoting the individualism that influenced the Romantic Movement. ...
It also hurts Dimmesdale when the townspeople speak of how righteous and holy he is. ... Hawthorn uses reds, darkness, and light to express character's emotions and the state of their spirit. ... Light symbolizes a state of enlightenment and a refreshed spirit, as well as purity. ...
After knowing that, both of Dimmesdale's spirit and body have a dramatic change. ... He finishes completing this election sermon in a really good mental state, so the results can be well imagined: "never had man spoken in so wise, so high, and so holy a spirit, as he that spoke that day"(248); he realizes that his career is going to end and his sin will not torture him anymore soon. ...
Throughout Dimmesdale's life, he chose to give up all aspects of his personal livelihood in order to serve the members of community, acting as the holy minister the community needed. ... In conclusion, the difference between the letter and the spirit of the law is clear. ...
Infancy is supposedly the most innocent stage in one's life; it arrives before the world's truths break the spirit of purity. ... Dimmsdale kissed little Pearl after an elongated moment of silence and Pearl retaliated with disgust and wiped the holy kiss from her forehead, rejecting cleanliness and conclusion to the ongoing grip of sin. ...
During the funeral procession, one woman looks back and says that she has "a fancy that the minister and the maiden's spirit were walking hand in hand" and the person she was walking with confirms her feelings (376). ... For the sake of your holy office, do away with this scandal" (378-9). ...
