; (Hawthorne 190). After this confession, Dimmesdale reveals that he would rather have his sin be out in the open, as Hester’s is. “Happy are you, Hester, that wear the scarlet letter openly upon your bosom! Mine burns in secret!” (Hawthorne 191) At the end of this meeting in the forest Hester and Dimmesdale agree to flee together. This opportunity towards a fresh start rejuvenates Dimmesdale and seems to restore some of his old vibrancy. At the end of this story, during the Election Sermon and parade, Reverend Dimmesdale seems to shine brighter than ever. The Reverend was happy because he knew he was leaving his old life behind to start anew with Hester Prynne and little Pearl. It is true that the Reverend was about to leave his old life behind, but not to live longer somewhere else. The Reverend was about to die. The seven years of secret guilt may have been what ultimatly kills Dimmesdale. Before the Reverend Dimmesdale’s death though, he did achieve salvation. Just moments before he leaves the earth he reveals his shocking sin to the bewildered crowd. “‘At last! -I stand upon the spot where, seven years since, I should have stood…’ With a convulsive motion he tore away the ministerial band from before his breast. It was revealed!” (Hawthorne 252) After this, Hester Prynne, possibly because of Reverend Dimmesdale’s confession, also achieves salvation. She is now looked upon as an accepted member of society, and is sought after for advice. The Scarlet Letter paints a picture of two sinners, Hester Prynne and Reverend Dimmesdale. By describing the torment that each character goes through throughout the story, it depicts how bad it is to feel guilty. Moreover, this story illustrates the torture one endures if one hides a guilty conscience. In the end all will come to justice. In the end one realizes that even though the truth hurts, it is the best thing ...
