Scarlet Letter Secret Sin

In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter, the concept of secret sin often conflicts with many of the characters’ identities. More often than not, this concealment leads to isolation and self-bewilderment. Indeed, Hawthorne demonstrates this concept when he remarks how “ No man… can wear one face to himself and another to the multitude”(259). Moreover, the consequences of leading a double life fueled by “secret sin" permeate this “tale of human frailty and sorrow” in general and Arthur Dimmesdale’s ongoing moral dilemma in particular.
Dimmesdale’s moral dilemma starts as he constantly tries to conceal his sin from the rest of his community. In pressure of keeping his appearance as a “godly pastor”, Dimmesdale plays the part as a sinless and holy minister (59). Him not confessing even questions Pearl who asks “but why does he not wear it outside his bosom? (225).
Chillingworth disguises as a doctor in order to conceal his identity of being Hester’s husband. He appears to the community as “man of skill, the kind and friendly physician” (146). This leads to a speculation that the community has no suspicion of his evil intentions towards Dimmesdale. However, His true mask begins to unravel, revealing his true intentions of vengeance. While Chillingworth has neither intentions to confess nor an inner self-conflict when speaking to Hester, he admits “ Let the black flower blossom as it may!” (208). By comparing himself to a black flower, Chillingworth evidently demonstrates his resistance to confess because he refuses to stop harassing Dimmesdale. For instance, he even exclaims, without hesitation, that he is a “fiend” and has no desire to change (206). Furthermore, this proves Dimmesdale’s the best fit for the observation of moral conflict because Dimmesdale in contrast to Chillingworth has a constant battle with his true