The Development Of Individuality In The Scarlet Letter By...

The novel, The Scarlet Letter, is an epitome of individuality during Puritan times. Each character in the novel represents the idea that internal evolution creates an inevitable outcome; life or death. Character development delineates changes in behavior, disposition, and mentality by reflection upon sin and the correction thereof. Therefore, there are numerous characters compared to the literary device, which include Hester, Dimmesdale, and Chillingworth. In fact, on more than one occasion, Hawthorne refers back to a â€Å"moral blossom† which symbolizes lessons to be learned. Subsequently, while Hester and Dimmesdale flourish in the light of redemption, Chillingworth deviates from this path and decays in his aggrieved, petulant stubbornness.†¦show more content†¦Her motivation increases everyday and she has an optimistic outlook on the future. Foremost, by the end of the novel, Hester shows true integrity when she says, â€Å"The scarlet letter had not done its off ice† (Hawthorne 149). She is in the mindset that she is not worthy of deciding when her punishment ends, which shows honest humbleness and perseverance. Even though she doesn’t anticipate the letter to leave her anytime soon, she learns how to live with the handicap which has previously been a detriment to her life. Comparably, Dimmesdale undergoes a moral dilemma in order to finally find peace within himself. While Hester agonizes over her punishment for her sins, though, Dimmesdale secretes himself in the shadows. His status as minister gives him leeway from exposure, and Hester refuses to give his name, which she proudly states, â€Å"His fame, his position, his life, will be in my hands, beware† (Hawthorne 68). At this point, Dimmesdale is more worried about his well being than his ethics. He doesn’t necessarily negate the fact that he is guilty, too, but he doesn’t speak out and confess to his crimes. After being fully aware of the situation at hand, Dimmesdale shows no signs of remorse. Notably, years later he starts to exhibit repent, and his physical description is given by, â€Å"His large dark eyes has a world of pain in their troubled and melancholy depth† (Hawthorne 101). Currently, he is in the midst of suffering and becomes ill with grief. The weightShow MoreRelatedThe Theme Of Sin In The Scarlet Letter By Nathaniel Hawthorne777 Words   |  4 Pagesthe novel, The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, this same concept holds true. For he who said, â€Å"do not commit adultery†, also said, â€Å"do not kill.† This statement reveals that all sins are equal in the eyes of God. However, the Puritan society hypocritically judges some sins to be greater than others. One example of this is the sin of adultery. Adultery is considered to be one of the worst sins of all. 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