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Who Is Arthur Dimmesdale In The Scarlet Letter

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In The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, Hester Prynne perseveres through the struggles and adversities thrown in her path. Although, this tale of sinful passion does not hold the same truth/fate for every character. Arthur Dimmesdale is a weak and feeble individual. He is a desperate and miserable man. The minister is physically fragile. Arthur Dimmesdale is also a coward. While many, like Hester Prynne flourish, the minister’s character slowly diminishes throughout this novel.
Arthur Dimmesdale is a desperate and miserable man. His sin dampens his life, affecting his daily work as a minister. He said, “Hester, I am most miserable[…] What can a ruined soul, like mine, effect towards the redemption of other souls?- or a polluted soul, towards their purification?”(Hawthorne 181). Dimmesdale is in a constant state of misery due to the sin that deeply burdens his heart. He is brought no comfort knowing that the people regard him so highly because he does not believe that a man with such a burden shall preach to those who are seeking redemption. The miserable minister, in desperation, …show more content…

As Dimmesdale falls into a state of desperation, he fails to take care of his well-being. “And leaning on a staff[…] He looked haggard and feeble[…] There was a listlessness in his gait; as if he saw no reason for taking one step farther, nor felt any desire to do so, but would have been glad, could he be glad of anything, to fling himself down at the root of the nearest tree, and lie there passive for evermore”(Hawthorne 177). The minister’s conditions weaken as he holds long vigils, fasts, and scourges himself in attempt to purify his blackened soul. His body is incredibly battered to a point that he could lay down and perish in that instant. Arthur Dimmesdale’s life purpose was to keep his sin hidden from the world. He dedicated his life to keeping this secret, which took a toll on his body

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