What is the relationship between Hester and Dimmesdale and
how does it develop throughout the novel?
The relationship between Hester Prynne and Arthur Dimmesdale is a central
aspect of "The Scarlet Letter." At the beginning of the novel, they both have
committed the sin of adultery, but only Hester is publicly shamed for it.
Dimmesdale is initially portrayed as weak and cowardly for not admitting his
part in the sin, but as the novel progresses, the relationship between Hester
and Dimmesdale develops into a more intimate and emotional one.
As they work together to protect their daughter Pearl, Hester and Dimmesdale
become increasingly close. They confess their love for one another and plan
to leave the Puritan society together. However, their plans are interrupted
when Dimmesdale suffers a heart attack during an Election Day sermon and
dies in Hester's arms, revealing the truth of his sin to the community.
Their relationship represents the conflict between desire and duty in Puritan
society. It also highlights the theme of hypocrisy, as Dimmesdale is a
respected member of the community and a religious leader, yet he is living a
life of secret sin.
Overall, the relationship between Hester and Dimmesdale is complex and
fraught with tension, but it adds depth to the characters and themes of the
novel.
References:
Hawthorne, N. (1850). The Scarlet Letter. Ticknor, Reed, and Fields.
Mills, A. (1986). The Scarlet Letter: An authoritative text, contexts, criticism. W. W. Norton &
Company.