"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 (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! (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 (p.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.
