Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Dimmesdale quote sandwich


Hester’s character takes the burden of carrying a symbol of disgrace publicly. Dimmesdale’s character cannot openly take this burden on, so in a sense of self-condemnation he takes it upon himself to physically and mentally punish himself. “…while standing on the scaffold, in this vain show of expiation, Mr. Dimmesdale was overcome with a great horror, as if the universe were gazing at a scarlet token on his naked breast, right over his heart.  On that spot, in very truth, there was, and there had long been, the gnawing and poisonous tooth of bodily pain”(233). Dimmesdale dilemma is trying to fight the torment of not telling the truth. Since he can’t bring himself to do so his is soon withering and dimming away in body and spirit.


The Relationship between Hester and Dimmesdale is rarely seen. The characters are only seen together in secret without the knowledge of the external factors such as the townspeople. “The Minister felt for the child’s other hand, and took it. The moment that he did so, there came what seemed a tumultuous rush of new life, other life than his own, pouring like a torrent into his heart, and hurrying through all his veins, as if the mother and the child were communicating their vital warmth to his half-torpid system. The three formed an electric chain”(238). Dimmesdale is a broken man but when connected to Hester and Pearl his external and internal conflict don’t impair him.

2 comments:

  1. I enjoyed reading your post. It is refreshing to read a well written paper.

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  2. I agree! Great collection of quotes and thoughts here to ponder. Poor Dimmesdale...he is gnawed on by the "poisonous tooth" of pain and guilt as well as, probably, remorse over the situation he is in. I wonder if his choice to be with Hester were unfettered by all of this torment, if he would choose to be with her? Dimmesdale doesn't convince me that he is truly in love. He seems more in love with the devotion to his power,and his deep conviction to the bible. I wish they could be together as a family, but I'm not sure that Dimmesdale truly shares ever wishes. The "torrent into his heart" is as much fear as it is love...

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