Shows little emotion – In chapter 11, the fathers of the church could not reach the people on an emotional level.Ħ Character Analysis The most significant character developments in chapters 11 and 12 are in Dimmesdale and his illegitimate daughter, Pearl.

Love – The three holding hands Believe in individualism – Dimmesdale’s refusal to admit nature of his sin publicly Subjective perception – “A” in sky: angel or adulterer Introspective – Dimmesdale’s soul searching Satisfaction of desire – desire to confess drove Dimmesdale to scaffold Supernatural energy and power – “electric chain”ĥ Puritan Ideas Follows the Bible exactly – Father WilsonĬonservative and strong moral character – Dimmesdale Nature is evil – Hibbins, twigs of forest clinging to her skirt Also, Chillingworth heals with nature Interprets signs from Heaven – Comet with letter A was presumed to be a message from God.

“He won it, indeed, in great part, by his sorrows.”Ĥ Romantic Ideas Very emotional – laughs and screams of Dimmesdale “It is inconceivable, the agony with which this public veneration tortured him.” All humans have the same need - As Dimmesdale struggles with his own sin, he was made more “human” meaning he was able to connect with people better. The people’s approval of him only added to his torture. He wanted the public to know his sin but was afraid. This internal struggle affected so much that he does not act on his suspicions about Chillingworth. Instead of asking how it got up there, the sexton simply said that Satan must have put it there.ģ Themes Duplicity- living a lie is weakening Dimmesdale’s body. The next day, the other pastor brought Dimmesdale his black glove and said he found it on the scaffold. While the three were still up on the scaffold, the letter “A” appeared in the sky and many of the townspeople interpreted it as Angel for Winthrop. It was very dark so nobody except for Chillingworth witnessed this event. Chillingworth was out because he had been tending to Winthrop who had just died. One night, Dimmesdale went up to the scaffold and held hands with Pearl and Hester. Dimmesdale is going crazy because he is keeping this secret. They can’t understand why Dimmesdale speaks so lowly of himself. Chillingworth is toying with him and every one of his church members worships him. 2 Summary of Chapters Dimmesdale is being tortured by his sin.

Dimmesdale's internal conflict quotes