"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 (Hawthorne 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! (Hawthorne 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 (Hawthorne 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.