Dimmesdale’S Attempt To Mock Hester’S Strength A Close Reading Of Chapter 12: “The Minister’S Vigil”
Submitted by danlrub on May 7, 2008
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Dimmesdale’s Attempt to Mock Hester’s Strength;
A Close Reading of Chapter 12: “The Minister’s Vigil”
Throughout the novel,The Scarlet Letter, Hawthorne explores the differences between public disclosure of sin versus a confined, secret sin. In the beginning of the book Hester is publicly recognized for her sin, while Dimmesdale’s sin remains concealed. As the book progresses, Hester becomes stronger and Dimmesdale progressively appears weaker. In Chapter 12, “The Minister’s Vigil”, Hawthorne describes Dimmesdale’s first confrontation with the scaffold. His actions are an attempt for him to redeem his guilt and regain his strength through public confession, just as Hester previously did; however, the results are very different because Dimmesdale’s contrasting fear prevents him from truly revealing himself. Although he does make some attempt to...