What does Dimmesdale say about confessing miserable secrets?

Dimmesdale says to Chillingworth that “[T]he hearts holding such miserable secrets as you speak of will yield them up, at that last day, not with reluctance, but with a joy unutterable.” What he means by this is that each individual sinner must confess his or her sins before God on the Day of Judgment.

Why does Chillingworth want to live with Dimmesdale?

What reason does Chillingworth give to the townspeople for wanting to live with Dimmesdale? Because Dimmesdale does not have a wife, he needs a doctor to care for him. They are both bachelors and can keep each other company. Chillingworth is in need of spiritual guidance.

Why does Pearl pull Hester away from Chillingworth and Dimmesdale?

Why does Pearl pull away from Dimmesdale? She doesn’t yet trust him since he won’t stand on the scaffold with them during the day. What effect does Dimmesdale’s vigil have on his career? He is more successful as a preacher.

What is ironic about Dimmesdale’s reaction to Hester’s refusal?

Dimmesdale is the young minister. What is ironic about Dimmesdale’s reaction to Hester’s refusal to name the father of her child? He seemed to be relieved and referred to the wondrous strength and generosity of a woman’s heart.

Why does Hester feel Arthur Dimmesdale?

Why does Hester feel that Arthur Dimmsdale should speak on her behalf? She says he was her pastor and in charge of her soul, therefore he should know her better than the other men.

How has Roger Chillingworth changed since Hester first knew?

How has Roger Chillingworth changed since Hester first knew him? He was older and became more deformed. What does Chillingworth suggest is the case of Dimmesdale’s suffering? Being spiritually ill is making him actually sick.

What is surprising about the A Hester makes for herself?

What was surprising about the “A” Hester has sewn for herself? Hester has made her “A” large and beautiful, almost gaudy. This might indicate either that Hester does not consider her “sin” to be really wrong, or that she is fiercely independent and strong in the face of her wrongdoing.

What does Chillingworth mean when he mutters?

What does Chillingworth mean when he mutters, “A strange sympathy betwixt soul and body! Were it only for the art’s sake, I must search this matter to the bottom!”? He means that his sickness affects him both physically and emotionally.