Dimmesdale as the Main Character in The Scarlet Letter Essay

This novel is more Dimmesdales tale than Hesters, some reviewers argue, since it traces his growth as an individual willing to accept responsibility for his actions.

As Author Dimmesdale lives with the sin he has committed, he grows to realize how important the truth and accepting responsibility is. Author Dimmesdales personal journey leading to his confession is marked by several related emotions. Upon falling ill Dimmesdale publicly accepted praise from the colonists for his holy sacrifice even though privately he knew his sickness was caused by his sin. Trying the fight through this deception his illness becomes more apparent and Dimmesdale begins to see that a confession is eminent. In addition to his chicanery he also begins to feel guilty about the situation he is in. While the deceiving members of the community played a role in his confession, his personal guilt was more of a factor leading to this occurrence. For example His inward trouble drove him to practices more in accordance with the old, corrupted faith of Rome, than with the better light of the church in which he had been born and bred. In Mr. Dimmesdales secret closet, under lock and key, there was a bloody scourge (Hawthorne 133). Dimmesdale is feeling so guilty about his sin, he is hoping he can relieve some of his shame though physical pain along with starving himself. However the ultimate cause to the confession of his sin is his love for Hester. Throughout the novel Author is continually at an internal battle between religion and love. Finally, he realizes the significance of Hester to his life bringing him to a confession of his sin and love of her. in the name of Him, so terrible and so merciful, who gives me grace, at this last moment, to do what-for my own heavy sin and miserable agony-I withheld myself from doing seven years ago, come hither now, and

twine thy strength about me! Thy strength Hester; but let it be guided by the will which God hath granted me!(Hawthorne 230). Through displaying his affection for Hester, Dimmesdale expends his last bit of energy and falls to an unfortunate death while finally confessing his sin and accepting responsibility for his actions. Through personal sacrifice and agony Dimmesdale grows to realize that he must announce his crime to the community and accept the consequences that come with it.