In the novel, The
Scarlet Letter, we begin to see character development in characters such as
Dimmesdale. We have seen contrast between characters such as Dimmesdale and
Hester. The most dramatic character was Dimmesdale. He is supposedly a well
respected man amongst the town’s people and is a good man. However, he starts
to feel agonizing pain right where his heart is hence the symbolism of Hester’s
scarlet letter over her heart. They are both connected and their stories are
intertwined. Dimmesdale begins to understand Hester’s pain and struggle.
Although, it is not the same. He goes into the square during the night and stood
on the scaffold. He clutches his heart and cries out in pain but quickly
regrets yelling because he is scared the town’s people will come out and see
him in his shame and misery.
Finally after seven years,
Dimmesdale and Hester meet and discuss a future together in England. He agrees
but wants to tie up loose ends. Once they are ready to leave and embark on
their journey, Dimmesdale rips open his shirt, shows the town what’s on his
heart, and kills himself. After everything, this coward decides to kill
himself. He put Hester through Hell and back and leaves her for good. Hester
had to put up with this life for seven years while Dimmesdale is just having a
bloody good time. He got off easy taking his life while Hester was strong,
independent, and never gave up.
This is not a trait of a tragic hero but of a suicidal
coward.
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