Dimmesdale has this thought constantly running through his mind. He wants to confess so badly, but he cannot. This quote is what he truly wishes to say, but he fears that the people in the village will fall into utter chaos if he does specially confess. Dimmesdale, trying to relieve himself of his guilt, often says that he is a vile and unholy creature during his sermons. However, the people of the village never make the connection between him and Hester. This is because they view him as infinitely holy. They believe him to be a saint on earth so he simply cannot confess, no matter how much he alludes to his sin.
Will Dimmesdale's mental and physical anguish force him to confess? If he did confess would the townspeople believe him?
2) "Come with me, I beseech you, Reverend Sir; else you will be poorly able to do Sabbath duty to-morrow. Aha! see now, how they trouble the brain,—these books!—these books! You should study less, good Sir, and take a little pastime; or these night whimseys will grow upon you" (143).
Chillingworth says this after observing the scene on the scaffold in the middle of the night. Pearl takes notice to him during the phenomenon of the letter A appearing in the sky. Chillingworth walks up to the scaffold in an innocent manner, and speaks as if he knows nothing. He does not accuse Dimmesdale of anything. He merely claims that Dimmesdale is sleepwalking because of studying too hard. He begs the reverend to come with him, and Dimmesdale complies. Chillingworth is secretly overjoyed at seeing this behavior in Dimmesdale. He wants to drive him to insanity slowly and painfully. Dimmesdale's behavior shows that he is succeeding in this goal.
When will Dimmesdale realize Chillingworth's evil intentions?
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