The Theme of Sin and Redemption in The Scarlet Letter

Dimmesdale goes a little insane He becomes a masochist . He uses chains and whips to beat himself in the closet . Furthermore , he undertakes long fasting without eating and drinking as a form of penance . One night he stands on the scaffold to repent for his sin . Perhaps he was unconsciously seeking absolution Perhaps he believes that if he stands in the same place as Hester , he will attain some degree of peace without public confession . He imagines that he has a scarlet letter on his chest which is viewed by the entire

world . Later Hester as well as Pearl joins him there . However , he is aware of his guilt and this act is not enough . He cannot make peace with the guilt of preaching all these years to a congregation and whom he betrayed with his own behavior . Whereas Hester wears a scarlet letter on her clothes but has not taken it to heart , Dimmesdale 's scarlet letter is hidden , and which is slowly becoming inextricable from his flesh

Dimmesdale is aware of his actions of course "Subtle , but remorseful hypocrite . However , the dark stain he perceives on his soul is spreading now , undermining the meaning from life and the power from his will . If he stays , he has to face Chillingworth and he does not know how to escape his gloating eye . If he goes , he can have Hester and the dream of love which so long he has not permitted himself . It is like a glowing face in the firelight and an embrace which infuses strength Also , there is England with the sweet and deep-sounding bells of Cambridge . Also , the soft winter after New England 's penetrating cold Dimmesdale almost embraces the shining vision of the new life that Hester holds out to him in the forest . Yet...