Miller, the author of The Crucible, and Hawthorne, the author of The Scarlet Letter, use literary techniques to emphasize the reconciliations of their characters. The writers use John Proctor and Arthur Dimmesdale as pawns to illustrate the happy endings through moral reconciliation and spiritual reassessment. .
Arthur Dimmesdale is a pastor for the Puritan church in New England, where Hawthorne sets up the novel. Dimmesdale's situation is one of ultimate situational irony; he is supposed to be an innocent, pure minister, yet he hides a sinful secret. He is an adulterer and the father of an illegitimate child. Dimmesdale's sin makes him a better minister, its gives him a passionate voice and that is surprising because it contradicts the notion that an upstanding, guilt and sin free person would be the best choice. Arthur's fear of public exposure and its consequences are what move him to keep quiet, but eventually, his conscience gets to him and he tries to confess. His congregation takes his confession the wrong way, and it is considered to be a sign of his humility. Thus, making him lead a life of hypocrisy and sin. Arthur's secrecy is what leads him to his sickness and downfall. He keeps his scarlet letter hidden under his clothes, a symbol of his sin. His daughter, Pearl, is an embodiment of his sin, but she is also a symbol of his love and passion for Hester. .
Reverend Mister Dimmesdale confesses his sins on the town platform. He is very weak and on the verge of death. In front of the whole town, Dimmesdale confesses to being Pearls father. This is where Arthur's moral reconciliation takes place, he feels like he has confessed, therefore freeing himself in the eyes of the people and in the eyes of God. When Dimmesdale is making his speech upon the platform, is says that the hearts of the people, " yet overflowing with tearful sympathy" he uses personification. This gives the reader the impression that the town sympathizes with Hester and Dimmesdale.