Sunday, November 3, 2013
guilt or freedom? pick one
It seems apparent that a person who has done wrong has two options. Either swallow it and try to forget about it, which almost never happens, or admit it, accept the consequences, and move on with life. In The Crucible, Hester and Reverend Dimmesdale are both guilty of adultery. However, Hester admitted it while Dimmesdale did not reveal it. The difference between the two characters could not be more obvious. While Hester is publicly shamed and shunned by the Puritan Society, she can accept the fact that she made a mistake, and move on with life. However, Dimmesdale hides it from everyone and becomes so consumed with his guilt that every day he is getting weaker and weaker. His guilt is literally killing him. And although we have not finished the novel, it seems that Dimmesdale has no choice but to either admit his wrongdoings or die. So what seems better? Admitting your sins and moving on with life, or bottling up all of your sinfulness and let it eat you alive? I bet to most people the choice is obvious, just admit it and move on. However, if you are a public figure like Dimmesdale, I bet it is much easier to reason that a sin such as adultery could not be associated with a Holy figure in the community.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I think it's really interesting how Hester and Dimmesdale are juxtaposed in the novel. They have both committed the same sin. However, Hester admits her sin publically and is able to move on with her life, like you said. Meanwhile, Dimmesdale can't admit his sin publically and is dying as a result of it. He is in a tricky situation because he is such a holy member of the community. I like your analysis of the situation. Nice job!
ReplyDeleteI agree with your viewpoint, Trevor! It is a really tough decision for Dimmesdale to make, especially since he wants to be able to still help others. If he does admit to his crime, he will never be viewed in the same way and will never be able to preach again. It is quite an intriguing choice. I guess we will just have to keep reading and find out!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Mark in saying how it is interesting how the two characters are juxtapose in the novel. Also, to add on to your great analysis of the two characters I think that the chapters we were supposed to read this weekend show that Hester could better her position from where she was, but Dimmesdale is only going downwards due to his deteriorating condition.
ReplyDelete