While one might argue that Hester Prynne is the one who, due to the public shaming by the community, suffers most in Nathanial Hawthorne’s novel The Scarlet Letter, I claim that on the basis of Reformed theology, which marks the foundation of Puritan doctrine, the Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale proves to be the predominantly suffering protagonist in the novel.
In order to validate my thesis, I will structure the term paper as follows: In the first section, I will briefly outline the spiritual background of seventeenth-century Puritanism in America and elaborate its main doctrines concerning the sin of adultery and the doctrines of repentance and confession.
This will be done by means of the number one authority of the Puritans at that time, namely the King James Bible. In this context, I am going to consult the Institutes of the Christian Religion by the French Reformer John Calvin, which function as another basis of Puritan doctrine. In the second section, I will analyze Dimmesdale’s bad conscience and how as a result, his ministry as a preacher tortures him. The third section will deal with the influence Hester Prynne’s husband, Roger Chillingworth, has on Dimmesdale’s suffering, while the fourth section will be concisely devoted to Hester Prynne’s suffering. I will conclude this paper by summarizing the arguments throughout the different sections supporting my thesis statement.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Settings and Spiritual Context
- Dimmesdale's Decline
- Hester's and Dimmesdale's Suffering
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This term paper analyzes Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, arguing that Arthur Dimmesdale, despite his outwardly unblemished reputation, suffers more profoundly than Hester Prynne due to his unconfessed sin. The analysis is grounded in the theological framework of 17th-century Puritanism.
- The impact of unconfessed sin on Dimmesdale's psychological and physical well-being.
- The role of Puritan theology in shaping Dimmesdale's internal conflict.
- A comparative analysis of Dimmesdale's and Hester Prynne's suffering.
- The influence of Roger Chillingworth on Dimmesdale's torment.
- The hypocrisy within the Puritan community.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the central argument that Arthur Dimmesdale's suffering in Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter surpasses that of Hester Prynne, based on the principles of Reformed theology. It outlines the paper's structure, promising to explore the spiritual context of 17th-century Puritanism, Dimmesdale's internal conflict, Chillingworth's influence, and Hester's suffering, all in support of the main thesis. The chapter sets the stage by highlighting the contrasting fates of Hester, publicly shamed, and Dimmesdale, outwardly revered but inwardly tormented.
Settings and Spiritual Context: This chapter provides crucial background information on 17th-century Puritanism in New England, drawing upon the King James Bible and John Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion. It emphasizes the Puritans' strict adherence to biblical law, particularly regarding adultery, and their understanding of repentance and confession as essential for spiritual healing. The chapter meticulously details the Puritan doctrine and its implications for understanding the characters' actions and suffering within the novel's context. The emphasis on literal biblical interpretation and the necessity of confession forms the theological groundwork for analyzing the characters' struggles.
Dimmesdale's Decline: This chapter focuses on the deterioration of Arthur Dimmesdale's physical and mental health as a direct consequence of his unconfessed sin. While publicly admired, Dimmesdale suffers inwardly, his outward composure masking profound spiritual anguish. His increasingly fervent sermons, born from his own experience with guilt, paradoxically amplify his suffering. The chapter highlights the hypocrisy inherent in his public image versus his private torment, showcasing the devastating impact of unconfessed guilt. Hawthorne's depiction of Dimmesdale's physical decline directly mirrors his spiritual state, creating a powerful image of the consequences of sin.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Puritanism, Reformed Theology, Arthur Dimmesdale, Hester Prynne, guilt, confession, repentance, suffering, sin, hypocrisy, adultery, Roger Chillingworth.
Nathaniel Hawthorne's *The Scarlet Letter*: A Term Paper Preview - FAQ
What is the main argument of this term paper?
The term paper argues that Arthur Dimmesdale suffers more profoundly than Hester Prynne in Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter because of his unconfessed sin. This analysis is based on the theological framework of 17th-century Puritanism.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
The paper explores the impact of unconfessed sin on Dimmesdale's well-being, the role of Puritan theology in shaping his internal conflict, a comparative analysis of Dimmesdale's and Hester Prynne's suffering, Chillingworth's influence on Dimmesdale, and the hypocrisy within the Puritan community.
What is the structure of the term paper?
The paper includes an introduction, chapters on the settings and spiritual context, Dimmesdale's decline, Hester's and Dimmesdale's suffering, and a conclusion. The introduction sets the central argument and outlines the paper's structure. The following chapters delve into the specific themes mentioned above, providing detailed analysis and supporting evidence.
What is the role of 17th-century Puritanism in the analysis?
The paper uses the theological framework of 17th-century Puritanism, drawing upon sources like the King James Bible and John Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion, to understand the characters' actions and suffering. The Puritans' strict adherence to biblical law, particularly regarding adultery, and their views on repentance and confession are central to the analysis.
How does the paper analyze Dimmesdale's suffering?
The paper analyzes Dimmesdale's physical and mental deterioration as a direct consequence of his unconfessed sin. It highlights the hypocrisy of his public image versus his private torment, showing the devastating impact of unconfessed guilt. His fervent sermons, born from his guilt, ironically amplify his suffering.
How does the paper compare Dimmesdale's and Hester Prynne's suffering?
The paper argues that Dimmesdale's suffering surpasses Hester's, focusing on the internal torment caused by unconfessed sin contrasted with Hester's public shaming. The different natures of their suffering and the theological implications are central to this comparison.
What is the significance of Roger Chillingworth in the analysis?
The paper examines Roger Chillingworth's influence on Dimmesdale's torment. Chillingworth's actions and their impact on Dimmesdale's psychological state are analyzed within the context of Puritan beliefs and the consequences of sin.
What are the key words associated with this term paper?
Key words include: The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Puritanism, Reformed Theology, Arthur Dimmesdale, Hester Prynne, guilt, confession, repentance, suffering, sin, hypocrisy, adultery, Roger Chillingworth.
- Quote paper
- John Kirsch (Author), 2020, The Unconfessed Sin. Arthur Dimmesdale’s Guilt and Suffering, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/1060155
