Okay unless these woods harness some crazy magical power to totally change a person, Dimmesdale is just not the man I had previously presumed him to be. Maybe we hadn't received the deep workings of Dimmesdale's mind from the narrator, maybe the woods really did change him into a totally new man, but what I am thinking is that we had Dimmesdale all wrong. Here's the thing: a person doesn't go from a holy, tortured man to some id controlled man merely by taking a walk into a forest (even if it is magical). So what exactly is happening here? Did Dimmesdale always have this strange id inside of him? Was he just confining it as our old friend Dr. Jeykll? Did the woods bring out Dimmesdale's Hyde? It seems as if the thought of running away with Hester is completely changing this very tactful and self-controlled man. He is becoming reckless and care free. During these chapters Dimmesdale is much more of a man than a minister. Think about his moment with the elderly sorrowing woman. He doesn't even remember what he said to her, what kind of minister is he? This kind old woman is in deep sorrow over her loss and he has no care. I guess he is caught up in his mind and dreams of crossing the ocean with Hester by his side. The odd thing was that the old woman was still incredibly touched and affected by his completely meaningless words. Is he still able to comfort others with his enlightening, sanctified words without even trying or are the people simply comforted by the thought of him? And the scene with the young, pretty girl! Wow. Personally I did not see this one coming. I just find it strange that he is so enticed by this youthful girl, when he was just talking to Hester about their future together. I mean maybe the girl meant nothing to him, maybe it was all just in the moment, but still the fact that he was so enthralled by her I feel is strange. Some serious id is going on right there. Personally I am seeing a glimpse of the man who tarnished Hester. What is the difference between Hester and this young girl? They were both unsullied, alluring girls (prior to Dimmesdale getting a hold of Hester). Is this a pattern for Dimmesdale? Maybe Dimmesdale has more of the Black Man traits than we have so far been presented with by the narrator. After thinking more of this Black Man , I am thinking that the Black Man is not a person. I think that the Black Man is inside of everyone-it is the id. It is the wild. The uncontrollable. The evil when unrestrained. The enemy of the Puritans.
All I know is that his Election sermon is going to be quite interesting. Dimmesdale is clearly writing with some intense fervor and new-found inspiration. I am wondering whether he will accidentally reveal one of his many secrets that seem as they will bubble over at any second. Honestly even if he does reveal his tarnished traits, the people might be too hypnotized by his "angelic" voice and presence that they don't even notice.
Sorry Sara I just totally trashed your man Dimmesdale :(
Don't take it personally...I just don't think we have been shown what has truly been going on within this "holy" man's mind.
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