An Analysis of Dimmesdale's Characteristics

zwwx@overseaen.comISSN 1009- 5039htp://ww.overseaen.comOverseas Engish團图萇洒Tel:+86- -551-5690811 5690812An Analysis of Dimmesdale' s Characteristics李明校(衡南县车江中学,湖南衡阳421131)Abstract: The Scarlet Letter is a tragedy itself. Dimmesdale, the number one hero in the tragedy, is doomed to be a tragic character. Hecommis adultery with Hester, which should be punished by law. But because of his cowardice and selfishness and Hester' protection, heescaped fom the punishment of the law. Because he is selfish, cowardly, hypocitical, and lonely, he has hidden his sin for seven years. Andbecause he is kind, he fnally stands up actively and akes the responsibility, which belongs to him. At that time, he dies an honest true man.Through the analysis of Dimmesdale' s characteristics, we can know his inner word, and we will be more sympathetic to him.Key words: cowardice; hypocrisy; selishnes; lonelines; kindness中国分类号:1106文献标识码:A 文章编号 :1009- -5039(2011)07- 0232- 021 Introductionthose sinful brethren! Even as in one who at last draws free air,Nathaniel Hawthome is the most influential romantic andafter long stiling with his own polluted breath." Nathanielpaychological novelist in America in the 19* century. With theHawthorne 11)publication of the Scarlet Letter in 1850, Nathaniel HawthomeHe explained the reason why he did not confess:became famous as the greatest writer living then in the United"It may be that they are kept silent by the very constitutionStates and his reputation as a major American author has beenof their nature. Or--can we not suppose it?- guilty as they mayon the increase ever since. Almost all of his works were set inbe, retaining, nevertheless, a zeal for God's glory and man's wel-the history of the North America - New England, which clearlyrevealed Hawthorme's complex thought and contradictory charac-fare, they shrink from displaying themselves black and filthy inthe view of men; because, thenceforward, no good canter, and the Scarlet Letter is not an exception. Hawthome saidhimself that The Scarlet Letter was positively a hll-ired story,achieved by them; no evil of the past be achieved by them; novile of the past be redeemed by better service. So, to their owninto which it is almost impossible to throw any light. Henryunutterable torment, they go about among their fellow-creatures,James found it densely dark with a single spot of vivid color.looking pure as new. fallen snow; while their hearts are all speck-2 Characteristics of Arthur Dimmesdaleled and spotted with iniquity of which they cannot rid them-selves?"(Nathaniel Hawthome 11)2.1 SelfishnessThis confession indicated that Dimmesdale was in conflictsDimmesdale is "a young clergyman, who had come from onewith whether to confess his sin or not: he hoped to reveal it to theof the great English universities, bringing all the learning of thepublic so that he could be free from the conscience-stiking; butage into our wild forestland." and "his eloquence and religioushe did not plan to confess. He believed that it could not make upfervor had already given the earmnest of high eminence in his pro-for the fault he had made. He considered that he should repentfession. When referred to personal reputation and profit, his self-by injuring himself, bearing the unspoken toment silently.ishness could be Been more clearly. He loved Hester and thechild- -PearL But when Hester was shown publicly on the scaf-2.2 Cowardice and hypocrisyfold, Dimmesdale only thought of his status and station, andDimmesdale's cowardice and hypocrisy led to his tragicalwanted she to bear all the sufferings. Taking his status and posi-life. The first time Dimmesdale appeared, Hawthome writes:tion into account, thinking of his reputation and future, Dimmes-"Notwithstand his high native gifts and scholar -like atain-dale did not stand up actively and confessed his sin, but camements, there was an air about this young minister- -an apprehen-forward in front of Hester, exhorting her to confess the truth.sive, a startled, a half -frightened look- -as of a being who feltDimmesdale was longing for happiness, pure love andhimself quite ashtray and at a loss in the pathway of human exis-warmth , the same 8s an average person. ]t WBS natural and verytance, and could only be at ease in some seclusion of his own."common. Indeed he once pursuited his happiness, but he onl(Nathaniel Hawthorme 27)took the first step: flling in love with Hester. But he could notFrom this paragraph, we can see Dimmesdale has a hightake the second step: sharing the "shame" with Hester, becausenative gifts and scholar-like attainments, but he is a totally mis-the social idea and religious morality deeply rooted in his headerable coward. He only feels comfortable when he seclud himselfnd prevented him from taking the second slep. He was thefrom the world.spokesman of the Puritan society and religious morality. The reli-Dimmesdale confessed having not comitted adultery atgious idea made him realize that his love with Hester was sinfulirst, 8o he was condemned constantly by morality and his con-and had broken the law. He did cherish his fame and status, andscience in his hear. Although he did not appear to confess hishe did not seem to repent publicly. But the wish of repentancecommitment, he had confessed his crime in his heart. He pun-tangled much more with the religious idea of penance. In fact,ished himself in an unreserved way.Dimmesdale was also yeaming for confession. He said: "And ev-When I中国煤化工0 her.YHCNMH G收稿日期:2011-03-22修 回日期:2011-04-25232■ 中外文学文化研究题路郦鳃$栏目黄任鳊舞:杨芋事.2011年7月Overseas English 海外美语" .... Be not silent from any mistaken pity and tendemessHis life was lonely, and 80 were his spirit and soul.for him; for believe me, Hester, though he were to stop down2.4 Kindnessfrom a high place, and stand there beside thee, on thy pedestal foSo far, we have analyzed the major characteristics of Dimmes-shame, yet better were it s0, than to hide a guilty heart throughdale including selfishnese lonelineas, cowardice, hypocrisy and solife. What can thy silence do for him, except it tempt him-- yea,on. Are they all the characteristic of him? If Dimmesdale onlycompel him,昭it were- -to odd hypocriey to sin? Heaven hathhas such shortcomings, can Hester fall in love with him? Wegranted thee an open ignominy, that there by thou mayest workhave stated that he came from the great English university,out an open triumgh over the evil within thee, and the sorowbringing all the learming of the age into our wild forestland ,andwithout. Take heed how thou deniest to him- -who, perchance,he is a person of very striking aspect, with a white, lofty, and im-hath not the courage to grasp it for himselfe better, butpending brow, large, brown, melancholy eyes. In all, he has awholesome, cup that's now presented to thy lips! " (Nathanielbrain of knowledge, and he is very handsome.Hawthome 29)However, the most important of his virtue is his kindness.This paragraph precisely describes Dimmsdale's psychologi-When the Gover and Good Mr Wilson planed to take Pearl awaycal conflicts. We can see Dimmesdale's hypocrisy: he didn't wantfrom Hester, Hester was terribly horrified; she asked Dimmesdaleto confess his sin; he pretended he was an honest man.to say something for her. Dimmesdale said: "There is tuth in"The minister well knew- -subtle, but remorseless hypocritewhat she says, tnuth in what Hester says, and in feeling whichthat he was! The light in which his vague confess would heinspires her! God gave the child, and gave her, too, an instinc-viewed. He had striven to put a cheat upon himself by makingtive knowledge of its native and requirements- which no otherthe avowal of a guilty cons even remain soltary, but requestedmotal being can prossoss. And, moreover, is there not a quality ofthe presence of Hester and Pearl. "He was unable to cience, butawful sacredness in the relation between this mother and thishad gained only another sin, and a self-acknowledged shame,without the momentary relief of being self-deceived. He had spo-child ! "(Nathaniel Howthome 92)We can see from this paragraph, Dimmesdale is very kind.ken the very truth, and transformed it into the veriest falsehood.He still loves Hester, and tries his best to help Hester, and canAnd yet, by the constitution of his nature, he loved the truth, andnot make Pearl live away from Hester, .It is the only thing thatloathed the lie, as few men ever did. Therefore, above all thingshe can do for Hester.else, he loathed his miserable self! "(Nathaniel Hawthomne 129)When Dimmesdale met Hester and Pearl at the scaffold,Dimmesdale was not a bomn hypocrite. But hypocrisy- -thethere was a talk between Pearl and him. " 'Amoment longer, myweakness deeply based in everyone's heart- always seized himchild !' he said: But wilt thou promis,'asked Pearl, take mytightly at the key point. His arrogant heart didnt want to be likemother's hand tomorrow nootide ?”Not then ,pearl, ' said thethat. So, he hid his sin.minister, but another time ' 'And what other time?' persisted the2.3 Lonelinesschild. 'At the great judgement day,” whisper the minister -andOne of his characteristie is loneliness. Dimmesdale was astrangely enough, the sense that he was a professional teacher ofpoor solitary. He was very sad. In order to lighten his pain, hethe truth impelled him to answer the child s0, 'then, and there,needed repending, but he should not let his audience find out hisbefore the judgement- seat, thy mother, and thou, and I, mustcriminal identity from his repentance. He had the habit of speak-stahd together. But the daylight of this world shall not 8ee ouring pun sentences. He was trying his best to confess the fact thatmeeting ! " " (Nathniel Howthome 148)he was a criminal, but meanwhilehe was carefully giving hisFrom this paragraph, we can see when Pearl insists thatwords another meaning.Dimmesdale should stand together with her mother and her to-"They heard it al, and did but reverence him the more.morrow. Dimmesdale doesn't want to hurt the child's soul.He alsoThey litle guesed what deadly purport lurked in those self-con-wishes he can stand together with them, but out of his selfishi-demning words. The godly youth!” said they among themselves.ess, he doesn't want to give up his status and his future. But heThe saint on earth! Alas, if he discerm such sinfulness in hispromises that they will stand together at the great judgement.own white soul, what horid spectalce would behold in thine orThat is to say, he will give up Hcowdice, loneli-mine! " The minister well knew- subtle, but remorseless hyp-ness, and other things that stand in his way to be a true realocrite that he was! - -the light in which his vague confessionman. So we can say Dimmesdale is kind in his heart. Dimmes-would be viewed. He had stiven to put a cheat upon himself bydale hides his sin for 7 years, he fnally confesses his sin in frontmaking the avowal of a guilty conscience, but had gained onlyof people, and carries out his promise that he will stand togetherone other sin, and $ self-acknowledged shame, without the mo-with Hester and Pearl at the great judgement. It needs greatmentary relief of being self-deceived."(Nathaniel Howthomcourage for him to do this thing.From this paragraph, we can see he was very lonely. Heto continue to be liar is that he considers himself kind. So at last,sincerely wanted to unfold his sin, but paid much attention to u8-he wants to confess his sin in front of people, and also wishesing his status, speaking in a special way to escape from beingGod will forgive him. At that time, Dimmesdale is a true real anddiscovered of his sin. So he kept on hiding sin, painfully.good man .Dimmesdale was self-centered, and could not enter the oth-3 Conclusioner's hearts, or let others go into his heart. He did not understandanyone, or believe anyone. As a result, he would not tell anyoneThe Searlet Letter is a tragedy itself. Dimmesdale, the num-about his secret. But he needed to pour out his heart, and his re-ber one hero in the tragedy, is doomed to be a tragic character.ligion emnphasized the important of confessing his sin. Since heHis first step- -loving with Hester is the foreboding of his miser-dared not believe in anyone, and was afraid of losing his out-able life. He is kin中国煤化工me, especiallystanding status, everyone became his enemy. Therefore, he livedHester and Peal. Hage to confessin the predicament that he not only tried to hide his sin but alsohis crime. He is a sYHCNMHGphisbllianattried his best to confess his sin. He sealed off himself s0 tightlystatus. He ig a lonely man. He held the unspoken secret, wanting(下转第235页)because he was scared of others. So he was completely solitary.本栏目责任偏粪:杨茅菲，2年期中外文美文化研究2332011年7月Overseas English 海蜂葬igazing at a scarlet token on his naked breast, right over his hearDimmesdale's love that means the basis of an ordinary family andon the spot, in very truth, and poisonous tooth of bodily paina social life. It is necessary for human beings to continue to livewithout any effort of his will or power to restrain himself, heand it should be accepted in any ordinary society. However, un-shrieked loudly; an outcry pealed through the night, echoed fromder the cruel control of the Puritanism, the truth and humaneone house to another, and then fade away from the hills in thewere always distorted. What is thworse; the common properbackground. As if a spectrum of devil detecting so much miserythinge of love and the origin of life were regarded as ridiculousand terror in it, had made a plaything of the sound, and wasby the foolish society. On the other hand, as we know, fire is vitalbanding it to and fro.to humankind's life, the swinging scarlet in her breast also like aThe love between Hester and Dimmesdale reveals a kind ofbundle of buming fire which can give her warmth, courage and88crifice, which is full of tragedy. They were those who pursuedhope in the lonely despair winter.for the truth while became the objects on the altar of the Puri-Other's hospitality couldn't make her surrender but maketanism. The colorful symbol reveals the rich thoughts of the au-her get over what she had to suffer and thus she got a deeperthor.understanding of that ugly society. She almost got over the obsta-4 Conclusioncles she faced. She always believed that a brighter world wouldAlthough The Scarlet Letter is a novel full of numerouscome soon where people could gain love and happiness.meaningful symbolism and achieves a kind of mysterious effect.3 Elaborate the Symbolic Meanings of the Word "But some critics commented that because of the overusing of theScarlet"symbolism, which made the novel somewhat mechanical, trivialScarlet stands for the amorous sexual love. It's occurs natu-and lack o f reality. From this point of view, the characters in itrally and so0n spreads wildly. In other words, it can bring abecome some kinds of mechanical, dull talk ative machines .Theymount of happiness for people to live in the paradise. However,always exceed the limit of their characteristics thus made theonce the lure gets overdone and cannotsymbolism in this novel becomes superficial. Henry James oncewould be disastrous and could make people miserable not only insaid: "I think Hawthome is overdone and exceeds the limit ofpayche but also in spirit. Hester and Dimmesdale's story is suchnoble and mean."a case in point, they couldn't control themselves and indulgeBy analyzing symbolism in the novel, we could get a keenthemselves in the sexual lure. Hester lost the chastity as a womaninsight into the New England confrontation of an outcast and aand betrayed her husband; therefore she became the sinner in theharsh society, and the confict of ideals and life that includinggod's hands.female emancipation, the nature of religion, and the trauma ofScarlet is the symbol of sin. It derived from the Bible inpsychological independence in the mid-17th century.which it means the degeneration and erime. 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