"Life is hard, but accepting that fact makes it easier." this common phrase has 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 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 changes 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 fi

only way Hester and Pearl receive any kind of support from Dimmesdale is when Hester threatens to tell the truth about his sins.

Similarly, there are also some things that go on that are out of Dimmesdale's control. For example, bizarre thoughts and hallucinations take him over . His outward appearance also reflects this. To illustrate, "...his cheek was paler and thinner, and his voice more tremulous than before- when it had now become a constant habit....to press his hand over his heart.." (Hawthorne 118). "He thus typified the constant introspection wherewith he tortured, but could not purify, himself" (Hawthorne 141), proving once again that no good came out of his self-inflicted punishment. Even though he was privately repentant at home, his ministerial duties were carried out, attempting to keep his personal life out of the church.

The fact that Dimmesdale is a hypocrite causes him to experience increased torment due to his guilt. Hawthorne's point is beautifully illustrated by Dimmesdale, because if he was not such a highly religious man, then he would not care about his crime. However, he does care and he inflicts torment on himself, including long periods of fasting, and hours of staring at himself in the mirror. He could also be caught numerous times in his closet, whipping himself and burning the lette

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Approximate Word count = 896
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)