Scarlet Letter
... commit adultery.” [Bible: Exodus 20:14] Hester played a major role in this condemning act, but she is not as guilty as her lover. She was the bearer of the sin and shame that was supposed to be shared with Dimmesdale for 7 years. It should be made known that the clergyman is more heavily weighted for he went against his religious practices and did not experience public humiliation. Hawthorne proved Dimmesdale’s cowardice and hypocritical nature, presenting him as the one who most severely committed the mortal sin. Subsequently, Dimmesdale brought misery instead of bliss to those he should have loved and cared for—his lover, Hester, and his daughter, Pearl. He placed all of the torture, embarrassment, and burdens that he should have taken part in on those he was supposed to keep safe from harm. Although Roger Chillingworth is held to some extent accountable for sucking the energy out of Dimmesdale by aiming at destroying Dimmesdale with venomous concoctions of weed [“Scarlet Letter” pg. 181 P. 4], Dimmesdale is held more liable for taking away from Hester and Pearl the chance to lead a normal life without the thoughts of self-inflicted disgrace. Also, even though Pearl often brings Hester down with her roguish nature, Pearl provides Hester with a reason to live while Dimmesdale make no effort to right his wrongs. This insensitive and inhumane act of Dimmesdale proves his responsibility in this claim that he is guiltiest for causing harm to others. Finally Dimmesdale constantly kept lying and rousing controversy in the community. Hester was taken as the principle sinner throughout the area when in all truth the minister was the one who carried the mark of shame. Although Hester did not reveal the identity of her lover, Dimmesdale should have gathered enough courage to do it himself, especially when he had the opportunity that night when he went up to the scaffold f...