Dimmesdale's Behavior In The Scarlet Letter

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The differences in Dimmesdale’s behavior and attitude in the marketplace and the forest are substantial. To begin, the first time that the reader sees Dimmesdale is in the marketplace in chapter three. At this point, the reader does not know that he is the father of Pearl, but he has the opportunity to confess that he has committed adultery. He is pushed to ask Hester who the father is, yet he is quite reluctant. Once he begins to interrogate her, however, his speech is strong and relentless. Completely determined to convince Hester to confess who the father is, he even acknowledges the fact that it will hurt his own reputation. “Be not silent from any mistaken pity and tenderness for him; for, believe me, Hester, though he were to step down from a high place, and stand there beside thee, on thy pedestal of shame, …show more content…

Fast forward to chapter twelve and Dimmesdale is up on the scaffold again, this time by his own accord. This instance is the only time in the marketplace, before the final chapters, that he expresses his guilt and repentance. The marketplace setting, in general, is very dark and full of gloom with no real shed of light or happiness. However, Dimmesdale’s demeanor in the forest is quite different. For the first time in the novel, Dimmesdale is able to express how he truly feels about his sin with another human being. He has a meaningful encounter with Hester as he openly elaborates on his inner guilt and shame. This is also the first time in the novel in which he feels some form of relief by being able to look into the eyes of someone who knows his sin. “Had I one friend, —or were it my worst enemy! —to whom, when sickened with the praises of all other men, I could daily betake myself, and be known as the vilest of all sinners, methinks my soul might keep itself alive thereby. Even thus much of truth would save me!” (Hawthorne

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