The Scarlet Letter
Chapter Seventeen
Entry Thirty-Six
The title of chapter seventeen in 'The Pastor and his Parishioner' so Hawthorne wants to point out Dimmesdale's function as a pastor (for comparison: in chapter twenty he is named minister) and Hester's position as his parishioner. His job is to take of the members of Boston's church and so of Hester too. He should listen to their sorrows and release them from their guilt (shrift). Also have an advice for him. In this chapter however, their parts are switched: Hester listens to him and has a plan up her sleeve. She says what to do to get out of their misery. He in contrast is not able to see clear and is too weak.
This situation shows the role allocation between them; she has the strong part of them. Dimmesdale just follows her.
I am actually surprised that such a strong woman used to (and still does) love such a confused man. Maybe he used to be like her but the long lasting suffering destroyed so much of his character that he is not able to think himself anymore.
Yes, it is surprising that strong women fall for such messed up men. The reality of this is one thing that makes this book insightful. Wonderful insight into the title and reversal of roles between Hester and Dimmesdale. Another theme to look at could be "The Meaning of Love" in the Scarlet Letter.
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