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The Greater Sinner – Arthur Dimmesdale or Roger Chillingworth in The Scarlet Letter ?


"A bodily disease, which we look upon as whole and entire within itself, may, after all, be but a symptom of some ailment in the spiritual part."
Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804 - 1864)
U.S. novelist and short-story writer.
The Scarlet Letter

In Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel "The Scarlet Letter," the question of who the greater sinner is—Arthur Dimmesdale or Roger Chillingworth—has been a subject of debate among scholars and readers. Both characters are morally complex, and their sins are intertwined with the overarching themes of the novel. Here are seven key points to consider when evaluating who might be the greater sinner:

1. Dimmesdale's Hidden Guilt:

Arthur Dimmesdale, the town's revered minister, commits the sin of adultery with Hester Prynne but keeps it hidden from society. His secret sin eats away at him, causing profound inner torment and self-inflicted suffering. While he doesn't openly acknowledge his sin, his hypocrisy as a spiritual leader is evident.

2. Chillingworth's Vengeful Pursuit:

Roger Chillingworth, Hester's estranged husband, arrives in town and becomes aware of Hester's affair. Rather than seeking reconciliation, he decides to seek revenge on the man responsible, ultimately targeting Dimmesdale. Chillingworth's relentless pursuit of revenge involves exploiting Dimmesdale's guilt and tormenting him psychologically.

3. Dimmesdale's Spiritual Influence:

As a revered religious figure, Dimmesdale's hidden sin is compounded by his influence over the community. He preaches passionately about morality and repentance, even as he himself remains unrepentant for his sin. His position makes him a symbol of hypocrisy and deception.

4. Chillingworth's Transformation:

Chillingworth transforms from a once-learned, kind-hearted man into a vengeful and malevolent figure. His obsession with revenge consumes him, leading him to manipulate Dimmesdale's guilt and suffering, effectively torturing him mentally.

5. The Consequences of Hidden Sin:

Dimmesdale's hidden sin not only affects him but also indirectly leads to the physical and emotional deterioration of Hester and the psychological torment of Chillingworth. His inability to confess his sin contributes to the suffering of those around him.

6. Chillingworth's Intentions:

While Chillingworth's actions are fueled by a desire for revenge, it's essential to consider his motivations. He sees himself as a wronged husband seeking justice, and his actions are driven by a desire to expose the truth, even if his methods are morally questionable.

7. Redemption and Accountability:

A crucial element in evaluating the greater sinner is the potential for redemption and accountability. While both characters ultimately suffer and die, Dimmesdale does experience a moment of public confession and redemption on the scaffold near the novel's end. Chillingworth, on the other hand, remains unrepentant to the very end, suggesting a deeper moral depravity.

In conclusion, the question of who the greater sinner is in "The Scarlet Letter" is complex and open to interpretation. Arthur Dimmesdale's hidden guilt and hypocrisy as a spiritual leader make him a strong contender for this designation. However, Roger Chillingworth's vengeful pursuit of revenge and his transformation into a malevolent figure also weigh heavily in this assessment. Ultimately, it may be argued that Dimmesdale's potential for redemption, demonstrated through his confession, sets him on a path toward moral recovery, while Chillingworth's unrelenting vengeance and lack of remorse make him the more morally corrupt character in the end. Nevertheless, this evaluation is subject

Ardhendu De

References:
The scarlet letter : Hawthorne, Nathaniel, 1804-1864 : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive. (n.d.). Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/scarletletter00hawt


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