The Scarlet Letter

As Hester calls out to Dimmesdale, both have a strange feeling that they’ve died and are meeting in the afterlife, so they clasp hands to assure themselves they’re still living. The couple sit down, and Dimmesdale describes his torment, rejecting Hester’s attempts at comfort; when Hester praises his work as a minister, he denies that “a polluted soul” (167) can affect any good in the world, and when she reminds him of his repentance, he describes it as worthless and insincere.

At last, Hester reveals Chillingworth’s identity. Dimmesdale berates himself for not having guessed the truth and Hester for her role in his predicament. Hester embraces Dimmesdale passionately, begging for his forgiveness until he finally relents: “We are not, Hester, the worst sinners in the world” (170). Hester readily agrees, saying that their affair had a sacred aspect to it.

Hester and Dimmesdale fall silent; although the meeting is bittersweet, neither wants to return to what awaits them in Salem. At last, Dimmesdale asks whether Chillingworth plans to reveal their affair. Hester says she thinks this is unlikely, but Dimmesdale remains agitated. He asks Hester what he should do; he can see no way out but death. Hester urges him to leave Salem and take a new career or name.