ent imposed on others and that deception and secrecy can be destructive.Throughout the whole novel, Dimmesdale’s character can be seen going through many different changes. Dimmesdale is literally killed because of his guilt and remorse and the knowledge that eats away at his heart -- that the right thing to do is confess his sin openly and to stop hiding behind his high place in the community and church.In chapter three, page 72, Mr. Dimmesdale is described as "a person of very striking aspect." He must also be very passionate to commit such a sin, especially considering the time and his position. But from there on, Dimmesdale’s health and appearance start to decline. Dimmesdale can not come to terms with the consequences of a confession and as a result he keeps his silence. In the first scaffold scene, for example, when Dimmesdale is told to convince Hester to reveal her lover, he is noticeably shaken. The situation "drove the blood from his cheek, and made his lips tremulous."(p.72). It is on the first time at the scaffold that Dimmesdale is first seen with his hand over his heart, as it is throughout the novel. Dimmesdale is constantly shown with his hand over his heart as if he, too, had a scarlet letter.Three years later, when Hester goes to the Governor’s house, the minister’s health has "severely suffered."(p.109)Towards the end of the novel, Hester and Dimmesdale meet again in the woods after a separation of seven years. The pastor is described as "leaning on a staff...he looked haggard and feeble."(p.179) When Dimmesdale meets Hester in the woods, "there was a listlessness in his gait, as if he saw no reason for taking one step further."(p.180)Arthur Dimmesdale’s mental health also suffered as a result of his secrecy. For example, there is Dimmesdale’s nightmare of the diabolic shapes that mock him, his mother turning her face away at him, and of Hester with Pearl, walking. ...
