The Scarlet Letter 5: 107-126

“Why would a wretched man, guilty, we will say, of murder, prefer to keep the dead corpse buried in his own heart, rather than fling it forth at once, and let the universe take care of it!” (120).

• In this quote Mr. Dimmesdale is trying to find a reason for keeping guilt secret from others.  As we all know now, Dimmesdale is the man whom Hester had the affair with.  He makes it very obvious throughout this selection.  I believe he wants the opinion of someone he can “trust”, but does not realize that Chillingworth is out to get him.  Dimmesdale is trying to figure out if he should keep his actions secret, or spread them so that he can feel more relieved.  It must not be easy for Dimmesdale to keep this burden, and that may be a reason that he is trying to reach out to Chillingworth, but nevertheless it is the wrong decision and will most likely cost him a lot in the end.  

Will Dimmesdale ever tell anyone about his action, or will everyone find out through Chillingworth?

“But still, methinks, it must needs be better for the sufferer to be free to show his pain, as this poor woman Hester is, than it cover it all up in his heart” (123).

• In this quote Dimmesdale speaks of how he thinks that the burden of the sin must be much lesser on Hester because her sin is out in the open.  Everyone can see her sin, and she lives her punishment, but his is worse.  No one knows, and he must live with the burden of the secret.  He must also watch as Hester suffers openly while he does not openly suffer at all.  It must be very hard on him, and this is very evident through this chapter.  He speaks of how he thinks the burden for the man with the secret sin must be very grave, and he knows from experience.  It is must not be extremely difficult to live a lie.

Will Dimmesdale find a way to rid himself of his burden?