“But, throughout it all, and through the whole discourse, there had been a certain deep, sad undertone of pathos, which could not be interpreted otherwise than as the natural regret of one soon to pass away” (222).
Dimmesdale’s sermon was phenomenal, and the audience was clearly touched by the speech. There is one thing though that was evident throughout the sermon; Dimmesdale evoked an emotional response from the crowd that led them to wonder what caused him to get so emotional and deep. It was seen as the last confession from someone whose time was going to end. This bothered the crowd because the death of Dimmesdale would be like the death of a saint.
“Pearl kissed his lips. A spell was broken. The great scene of grief, in which the wild infant bore a part, had developed all her sympathies; and as her tears fell upon her father’s cheek, they were the pledge that she would grow up amid human joy and sorrow, nor forever do battle with the world, but be a woman in it” (229).
While they were in the forest, Dimmesdale kissed Pearl on the forehead, and Pearl immediately washed it off because Dimmesdale was not paying her any attention in public. Later after that in the market place, Pearl developed an interest as to why Dimmesdale was neglecting her in the sunlight. Here, Dimmesdale announced and confessed to everyone the burden that lived within him, and his confession allowed Pearl to recognize Dimmesdale and show him affection.
Demeanor
–noun
1.conduct; behavior; deportment.
2.facial appearance; mien.
“in the appearance and demeanor of the old man known as Roger Chillingworth”(231).
Countenance
–noun
1.appearance, esp. the look or expression of the face: a sad countenance.
2.the face; visage.
3. calm facial expression; composure.
4. approval or favor; encouragement; moral support.
5. Obsolete. bearing; behavior.
“Old Roger Chillingworth knelt down beside him, with a blank, dull countenance, out of which the life seemed to have departed” (228).
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