In the novel, The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, what appears to be Hester Prynne’s tragedy becomes the Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale’s suffering and depression, despite the letter "A" boldly present on her chest. Revered Dimmesdale’s affair with Hester Prynne continuously troubles his conscience; seeing that no other person feels as guilty, the minister is the most tragic character in the novel. At the time when this novel takes place, not only ministers, …showed first 75 words of 955 total…

…showed last 75 words of 955 total…the novel The Scarlet Letter proved to be nothing more than a sign of Adultery upon the bosom of Hester Prynne. Hester, as well as Pearl, is able to overcome the shame and dishonor it brings to their self-esteem. As a minister to God and no one to turn to, the tragic sin of adultery causes great suffering in the life of the Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale. More so than any other character in the novel.