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Rev. Arthur Dimmesdale


            "Life is hard, but accepting that fact makes it easier.
             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 (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! (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)". .
             Proving that he was a very loved and influential man in the small town. .
             In further developing Dimmesdale's character, Hawthorne portrays him as a .
             hypocrite. His outward demeanor deceives the villagers, appearing as a completely .
             holy man. However, before the action of the novel begins, he stumbles into sin, by .
             committing adultery with Hester Pryne, an attractive young woman whose husband has .
             been long absent on a journey, and presumed dead. His cowardly outlook on his .
             sins only causes his troubles to snowball. Abandoning Hester and her illegitimate .
             daughter Pearl, also augmented his problems. Forcing Hester to go and find work .
             around town, an obviously hard task for a single parent.


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