Being True To Oneself In The Scarlet Letter essays

Being True To Oneself In The Scarlet Letter essays Being True To Oneself In The Scarlet Letter The Scarlet Letter, a novel that takes place in a New England colony, depicts a lady named Hester Prynne who is being punished for committing adultery by wearing a scarlet A on her chest. Hester and her daughter, Pearl, live with disgrace and mocking from the colonists. Reverend Dimmesdale, Pearls father, is also being tortured by his deceptive friend, Doctor Roger Chillingworth, who is Hesters husband. There are many instances of characters not being their true selves. Not being true to ones self causes unhappy consequences. Reverend Dimmesdale suffers for not being his true self. The governor chooses Reverend Dimmesdale to be the judge of Hester. This shows that the people think he is righteous enough to judge her, even though he is just as guilty. Hester takes the blame, but Dimmesdale does not because he is a coward. Reverend Dimmesdale stops being true to himself, and puts on a facade for the colonists so he will not ruin his reputation or lose his job. The only person that Reverend Dimmesdale can show his true self to is Hester. In the darkness of the forest or in the shadows of the night he can be his true self. In the light and brightness of the day he acts as the beloved, respected reverend. He hides his secret for so long that he goes crazy and starts to punish and torture himself. He even carves an A into his chest. He is very unhappy because he knows living a lie is wrong. When he finally reveals himself he dies of shame. Mr. Chillingworth gives up his happiness by hiding his true self. It starts when he decides to not let anyone know that he is Hesters husband. He lives a lie, which makes him unhappy. Chillingworth has to keep this secret and also make sure Hester keeps it a secret. Mr. Chillingworth devotes his life to getting revenge on Reverend Dimmesdale. Chillingworth ...