In Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel The Scarlet Letter, Arthur Dimmesdale struggles to overcome sin, guilt, and public shame in Puritan society. Arthur Dimmesdale reveals his guilt and shame towards the end of the novel when Hester and Pearl stand with him on the scaffold while he confesses his sin to the townspeople. ... Dimmesdale's mentality is affected severely by shame. ... Chillingworth begins questioning Dimmesdale, but Dimmesdale refused to confess any of his sins and got angry. ... Dimmesdale needed to confess his sins to the townspeople on the scaffold, and the end result of con...

• Word Count: 939
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

Of these characters, the Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale is the character portrayed as the most weak and unnoble. Despite this portrayal Dimmesdale was a stronger character than given credit for. ... We first see Dimmesdale portrayed as a nervous and sensitive individual. Despite his outer appearance, inside Dimmesdale is a very stable, strong person. ... Dimmesdale was not courageous in his actions in the story but strong. ...

• Word Count: 475
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School

In Arthur Miller's book, adultery is not seen by most as a major point, but it is the focus around which the death of the main characters, John and Elizabeth Proctor, is built. ... In the core of the market place, Dimmesdale does the same thing and admits to the sin that has plagued him for seven years. ... Just as comparable is Arthur and Hester's walk through the woods; at this place they are safe from the brutal eye of Boston and are liberated to share their love of each other. ... Later Dimmesdale punishes himself with his own confession in the marketplace, in front of the...

• Word Count: 691
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School