There is always a defining moment in every novel revealing how a certain character will be shown. These moments are “first” seen through the initial action of each character and then ended by their “last”. Each “first” defines how someone is seen, but there is always a turning point in each novel that changes at least one character for the better. The “last” of Reverend Dimmesdale from The Scarlet Letter shows how much he has changed since the beginning of the novel into a better, more dauntless man. At the beginning of the novel Reverend Dimmesdale acted cowardly, not being strong enough to reveal the truth of his sin thus allowing the guilt to destroy him inside out. But finally at the end of the novel he is able to come at peace with what he has done and has a few significant last actions, words, and expositions.
In chapter 23, page 234 Reverend Dimmesdale's last action is revealed to be, “With a convulsive motion he tore away the ministerial band from before his breast… Then, down he sank upon the scaffold!”. This action is filled with great power and emotion, which is able to accurately describe Dimmesdale. He is finally able to let go of his sin and diminish the excessive amount of guilt he felt from his powerful yet
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Hester is inquiring if they will be able to live their “immortal life together”, trying to figure out what could be between those two seeing that the truth was finally unveiled. Although it was shown throughout the novel of how much Dimmesdale longed to be with Hester, he realizes that they may not be able to be together forever and solemnity responds that although God is very forgiving, their sin may not allow them to have eternal happiness like they would have hoped for. This bitter action allows the author to intentionally suggest that you cannot always receive what you long for and all actions have