In the American classic The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, the author leaves much of the novel to the reader's interpretation. Hawthorne brings into play symbolism to suggest the events that might have occurred and propose the nature of his characters. Hawthorne uses the names Dimmesdale, Chillingworth, and Hester to symbolize the characters' personalities and ideals.

The words "dim" and "dismal" can be derived from Arthur Dimmesdale's name, Hester's fellow sinner. Just as the word "dim" might suggest, Reverend Dimmesdale appears to have a "dim" vision of the world and is often sad to be in a "maze" (167). The usage of the word "maze" demonstrates the state of confusion his life is in. In return, the puritan society does not view Dimmesdale as he truly is. Dimmesdale often tells the community that he is also a sinner along with themselves, but the community "heard it all, and did...