The Scarlet Letter Character Analysis

Nathaniel Burns-Sarno
Advanced Placement English/Mr.George
February 22, 2010
Character Analysis: Arthur Dimmesdale

Arthur Dimmesdale is a devout reverend whose is tormented by his sin and the fact that he is unable to admit his sin to his followers.
Out of all the pastors, Arthur Dimmesdale was the most beloved and revered due to his absolute piety. Dimmesdale, being truly devoted to God, is tormented by his sin of lechery. Hypocrisy was added to his sin when he was unable to admit his sin to the public, who consider him to be the purest being in existence. Dimmesdale’s sin and hypocrisy caused him so much grief that he began to fear his fate in the afterlife and wished for punishment on earth: “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 it known as the vilest of all sinners, methinks my soul might keep itself alive thereby. Even thus much of truth would save me!”(Hawthorne 173). Dimmesdale even resorted to harming himself physically when no one was able to view him as that sinner he was. In the end, Dimmesdale revealed his sin to the public only to die moments afterward.
Dimmesdale is like a teenager who has acted against their parents and wishes for some sort of punishment. Dimmesdale knows that God loves him, and is pained by the fact that he has done something that affects his relationship with God. That fact that God may be disappointed in Dimmesdale’s actions causes Dimmesdale to suffer more than he would if he were to receive a tangible punishment.
A modern day Dimmesdale is Bill Clinton, who also committed sexual misdemeanors, but was kept from admitting to them due to his position as a leader.

Nathaniel Burns-Sarno
Advanced Placement English/Mr. George
February 22, 2010
Character Analysis: Roger Chillingworth

Roger Chillingworth is a sadistic and intelligent man who was once very righteous, but became corrupt after developing an addiction to torturing Dimmesdale. Roger Chillingworth was an expert physician with the ability to read human souls. With this ability, Chillingworth was able to deduce that it was Reverend Dimmesdale who fathered Hester’s child. After gaining this knowledge, Chillingworth made it his purpose to ensure that Dimmesdale suffered. Chillingworth became Dimmesdale’s physician, a position that would allow him to stay close to Dimmesdale without the reverend suspecting anything. Chillingworth’s original purpose was to avenge himself and Hester through punishing Dimmesdale, who wronged them both. This purpose quickly changes, however, as Chillingworth’s torments go beyond the bounds of mere retribution. Chillingworth’s became aware that his obsession with torturing Dimmesdale turned him into a monster, but did not cease his attacks on Dimmesdale: “I have already told thee what I am! A fiend!”(Hawthorne 156).
Roger Chillingworth’s behavior is comparable to that of a hyena. Rather than simply finishing their prey off quickly, a hyena will latch on to their victims with a vice-like set of fangs, increasing pressure each time a cry of anguish is released. The hyena enjoys inflicting pain upon its prey, releasing a low cackle through its clenched teeth as their quarry begins to bleed to death. Each time the prey attempts to escape, the hyena will merely run alongside it, constraining the limb of its unfortunate victim within its fangs.
A modern day Chillingworth is Dexter from the television show Dexter, as both Dexter and Chillingworth have an addiction to causing others to suffer and find relief by torturing those they deem evil.