I find that I most empathize with Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale because, much like me, he struggles with his dedication to religion over his own spirituality. Living in a puritan society, the religious aspects are most closely related to the social features of the culture, therefore the individuals who possess prestigious roles in their community are viewed as more than individuals, but symbols of the establishment they support. Similar to Dimmesdale’s obligation to the community to maintain his role as reverend, I often feel obligated to the Church rather than God. Although it is important to associate oneself with the larger group, which is in this case the “Body of Christ”, or Church, one must not forget the intimate relationship our Father is eager to have with each of his children. Which is greater: dedication to the church, an establishment directed by men, though it was sanctioned and is upheld by a Heavenly being, or a cherished relationship with the one and only Creator? The latter one is undoubtedly the “correct” answer, yet Reverend Dimmesdale and I often view our religious roles and identities in society above our divine…show more content… Even at a very young age, Pearl recognizes the odd behavior of her mother and the townspeople. When confronting her mother about the unusual situation, her mother shrugs it off and avoids directly answering the question, ergo defining the distance between the two. The daughter, not knowing what the scarlet letter her mother wears symbolizes, is drawn to it like a moth to a lit candle stick. Pearl recognizes her daughter’s curiosity but is afraid of telling her the truth before she is old enough to understand. “Mother,” said little Pearl, “the sunshine does not love you. It runs away and hides itself, because it is afraid of something on your bosom. . . . It will not flee from me; for I wear nothing on my bosom yet!”
