The Complex Character of Arthur Dimmesdale in The Scarlet Letter

The character of Arthur Dimmesdale in Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter has captivated readers for generations. As a prominent Puritan minister in a society that values public piety above all else, Dimmesdale struggles with the burden of his secret sin and its inevitable consequences. Through his words and actions, we gain insight into not only his character, but also the themes of guilt, shame, and hypocrisy that permeate the novel.

In his early sermons

Dimmesdale seems like the epitome of a faithful servant of God. He speaks of the need for repentance and the importance of honesty and transparency in one's spiritual journey. However, as he becomes increasingly consumed by his guilt over his affair with Hester Prynne, his words take on a darker tone. In one particularly telling sermon, he implores his congregation to "let us trust to Him who hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows, let us cast off the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light." (Chapter 11) Here, we see the beginnings of his descent into hypocrisy - he is preaching about trusting in God to bear our sorrows while at the same time keeping his own sorrow locked away inside him.

As the novel progresses

Dimmesdale's internal struggle becomes more and more visible in his physical appearance. He becomes gaunt and pale, with dark circles under his eyes, and his hand often goes to his heart as if he is trying to alleviate some pain there. This physical manifestation of his guilt is perhaps best represented in the scene where he stands on the scaffold with Hester and Pearl in the dead of night. As he confesses to the assembled crowd, the glow of the meteor illuminates his face and reveals "an expression of agony, as if the torture of his spirit had been too severe to be borne." (Chapter 12) This scene is a powerful depiction of not only Dimmesdale's inner turmoil, but also the hypocrisy of a society that values public displays of repentance over genuine acts of contrition.

One of Dimmesdale's most famous quotes

comes towards the end of the novel, as he is dying on the scaffold. He cries out to Hester and Pearl, "God knows; and He is merciful! He hath proved his mercy, most of all, in my afflictions. By giving me this burning torture to bear upon my breast!" (Chapter 23) This quote is significant for many reasons - it shows Dimmesdale's belief in a merciful God, his acknowledgement of his own guilt, and his acceptance of the punishment that has been bestowed upon him. It also speaks to the theme of redemption - despite his sins, Dimmesdale is still capable of being redeemed in the eyes of God and, by extension, the Puritan community.

Despite his many flaws

Arthur Dimmesdale is a complex and multifaceted character who embodies many of the themes and conflicts at the heart of The Scarlet Letter. Through his words and actions, we see the dangers of hypocrisy and the importance of genuine repentance. We see the consequences of allowing guilt and shame to consume us, and the potential for redemption even in the darkest of circumstances. In short, Arthur Dimmesdale's character serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of deception, both to ourselves and to others.