Abstract: The Scarlet Letter, published in 1850, is an outstanding masterpiece of American writer Nathaniel Hawthorne. Hawthorne explores themes of guilt, sin and religious persecution through this novel. And Arthur Dimmesdale is a crucial character in this book. In this paper, I will combine the social background and religious background to analyze and explore the transformation of Arthur Dimmesdale, including the transformation of his identity, spiritual world and his attitudes towards evil; the process of his transformation from an excellent single man to a father, and from a respectable minister to an invisible scarlet letter, and from weakness as well as cowardice to bravity; to reveal the process how Dimmesdale changes from a distinguished clergyman to an average man who is brave enough to admit his mistakes.  

Key words: The Scarlet Letter Arthur Dimmesdale Transformation

Contents

Abstract

摘要

Introduction-1

Chapter One The Transformation of Dimmesdale’s Identity-2

1.1 From a Single Man to a Father-2

1.2 From a Reverend Clergyman to an Invisible Scarlet Letter-4

Chapter Two The Transformation of Dimmesdale’s Spiritual World-6

2.1 From Sin to Salvation-6

2.2 From Cowardice to Courage-7

Chapter Three The Transformation of Dimmesdale’s Attitudes towards Evil-9

3.1 From Unawareness to Penance-9

3.2 From Fear to Forgiveness-10

Conclusion-11

Bibliography-12

Acknowledgements-13