The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, displays a great depth into the realities of early society, and the Puritan perceptions of sin. Though the story is told through the eyes of a surveyor to the Custom- House of Salem, who happens to stumble upon a document and a scarlet in the attic of the House (giving him the notion to write a story based upon it), he tells it in such a way that helps us understand the extreme shame the town places upon Hester Prynne, and her secret lover's agony over the concealment of his adultery. Added with the princes of Church and State, as well as characters of Witchcraft, and Revenge, these themes of the novel peer into the depths of human hearts, as they search for love and understanding, through trials, shame, and despair.For me this one of my favorite novels, just because it can be so easy to relate to. No, I have never committed adultery in my life, but there is no doubt that many times throughout my life I have done things that I wish I would have never done, and have been forced to bare the shameful consequences that came with it. I am sure there are many of us that have. But just like in this story, there is always redemption for those who choose to repent of their sins, and turn back to God.
What I want to do for this story is to look at it from a more personal perspective of the Minister. We are told several times, that Mr. Dimmesdale is haunted by the sin he has committed with Hester, yet is afraid to reveal it publicly because of his high position as spiritual leader of the town. Anyone who has every committed any sort of sin, and then has tried to hide it for one reason or another understands exactly how Dimmesdale feels in this case. I wonder if many of us would have done exactly the same thing as he does in reaction to his sin? I know that if I was in Dimmesdale's shoes I would have done the same thing, When it is something as big as that, I know that I would have been afraid of the stern looks of the towns people, and their waging heads of disappointment. For myself, I know that I care too much about what people think about me, and so I can in a way relate to insecurities of Dimmesdale's attitude toward the town. Unlike Dimmesdale though, I probably would have run away long before those seven years agony. It goes to show though, that it is better to be honest about my sin, and rely on the grace of God to endure the consequences as I have often experienced in my life.
Now for you.... what would you do in Dimmesdale's shoes? Or any character for that matter? If you feel like commenting tell us about a character that you think you would have reacted differently in their circumstance... or maybe the same.
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I agree with your statement that this novel is relative to all of us as sinful beings. There is no doubt in my mind that I would have acted the same was as Dimmesdale given the circumstances. I care about what people think of me as well. Sometimes disappointing others is more difficult to endure than the consequences of my choices. To have the courage to admit my mistakes... Well, not very many people are like Hester Prynne and endure publicly the shame of their mistakes.
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