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Carina Risiglione

Yeaton

English 10 (pre-AP) H

9 November 2017

The Scarlet Letter Analysis

In the novel The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne different types of language is

applied to characterize the characters. Diction, syntax, figurative language, or tone can be used to

describe the various writing styles there is. Through the character, Reverend Dimmesdale,

Hawthorne goes through a set of transitions which is easily described through learned diction,

didactic tone, and imagery.

To begin with, Hawthorne applies diction to describe the characterization of Dimmesdale

and the way he transitioned throughout the story. Hawthorne uses diction because it proves the

way Dimmesdale went from a pure man to a guilty citizen. Learned diction is used in a way to

describe the knowledge Dimmesdale has acquired through the journey of being sinful “Be not

silent from any mistaken pity and tenderness for him...on thy pedestal of shame than to hide a

guilty heart through life. What can thy silence do for him, except it tempt him--yea, compel him,

as it were--to add hypocrisy to sin?” (Hawthorne 62). Words such as “pedestal”, “hypocrisy”,

“pity”, “sin”, and “guilty” show the negativity behind Dimmesdale’s actions and the fact that he

deceived them all. Although Dimmesdale may be the priest, he shows his hypocrisy in knowing

it’s right to reveal his name and living up to the reputation that he sinned. As well as to show

forgiveness towards him, for he knows his wrongdoing. Hawthorne also begins to explain how
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sin may only be foreseen by God and everyone makes mistakes even the ones you least expect.

For example, “‘At the great judgment day!’ whispered the minister, —and, strangely enough, the

sense that he was a professional teacher of the truth impelled him to answer the child so. ‘Then,

and there, before the judgment-seat, thy mother, and thou, and I, must stand together. But the

daylight of this world shall not see our meeting!’” (Hawthorne 143). Not only is Hawthorne

explaining that judgment should not be accounted of but also not payed attention to and leave it

up to God himself. The diction can be acquired by seeing the perspectives of the author and

analyzing the quotes.

Hawthorne then consumes a more neutral tone towards Dimmesdale which is didactic

tone. Hawthorne displays Dimmesdale as a character asking for forgiveness and to own up to his

righteousness. For example, “And thus, while standing on the scaffold, in this vain show of

expiation, Mr. Dimmesdale was overcome with a great horror of mind, as if the universe were

gazing at a scarlet token on his naked breast, right over his heart” (Hawthorne 138). Not only

does he want public shaming, but is willing to reveal his sin to all. Dimmesdale is willing to take

the blame for his action which creates the overall tone in having moral. With the words that

Hawthorne used, a place of knowledge takes place that Dimmesdale was ready to learn what he

has done. Moreover, “The only truth, that continue to give Mr. Dimmesdale a real existence on

this earth, was the anguish in his inmost soul, and then on dissembled expression of it in his

aspect” (Hawthorne 136). Although Dimmesdale’s life wasn’t as he hoped for, he still found

purpose in his mind and soul to keep moving forward and find a way to be forgiven which

became the neutral tone of not being sided with good, nor evil.
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Figurative language is utilized to describe scenarios and emotions that Dimmesdale may

experience. Imagery plays a big role in describing how he leads on his action was sinful and how

he acts upon it. “Mr. Dimmesdale had gone into the pulpit, with the purpose never to come down

its steps, until he should have spoken words like the above. More than once, he had cleared his

throat, and drawn in the long, deep, and tremulous breath, which, when sent forth again, would

come burdened with the black secret of his soul” (Hawthorne 134). Dimmesdale took the pride to

walk up as a reverend and reveal his secret that he sinned which creates imagery that gives off

his nerves and fidgets. Furthermore, he has the dignity to prove he can act upon his actions and

live up to them. When casted under the drug of Roger Chillingworth, Dimmesdale went under

for awhile which can reveal the character he was to be manipulated into trusting Roger. For

instance, “It came to pass, not long after the scene above recorded, that the Reverend Mr.

Dimmesdale, at noon-day, and entirely unawares, fell into a deep, deep slumber, sitting in his

chair, with a large black-letter volume open before him on the table” (Hawthorne 128). The

imagery of the way Dimmesdale was able to sleep away his drug shows the manipulation behind

it and the description of a letter coming forth.

A set of literary devices such as learned diction, didactic tone, and imagery were able to

compel a complete usage in Hawthorne’s writing style. The devices were able to prove how

Dimmesdale transitioned and lived up to his sin.