Why Does Dimmesdale Keep His Secret

Dimmesdale deems it imperative to keep his secret, and it provides an insight to the possible harbinger of his momentous downfall throughout the novel. The townspeople cannot know he committed adultery with Hester Prynne. If detected, Dimmesdale would be an outcast and punished, especially because of his high honor. Since he cannot reveal his sin, the character must coexist with it, which continually clouds his thoughts and actions. Similarly, Hester Prynne, the wearer of the crimson emblem, whose secret has been revealed and publicly punished, often can be seen in the shadows. Likewise, when Hester and Pearl arrive at the Governor’s house, amid a throng of others, the author states, “The young minister, on ceasing to speak, had withdrawn a few steps from the group, and stood with his face partially concealed in the heavy folds of
the window-curtain; while the shadow of his figure, which the sunlight cast upon the floor, was tremulous with the vehemence of his appeal” (Hawthorne 92). Dimmesdale knows he must hide his shameful sin.
Hawthorne often places Dimmesdale’s character amongst the shadows, concealing him and the secret. If those surrounding him were to discover his disgraceful act, he could lose everything. By staying hidden in the heavy folds of the curtain, Dimmesdale withholds his actions and emotions while residing out of the sunlight cast upon the floor. Correspondingly, once the first opportunity passed for telling his secret, Dimmesdale took it upon himself to ensure no one uncovered the truth because of his job. His sin suddenly becomes a considerably heavier burden than Hester’s. The minister must go forward in life, pretending his dishonor never occurred. Dimmesdale notes to Chillingworth while they are talking about secrets, “So, to their own unutterable torment, they go about among their fellow-creatures, looking pure as new-fallen snow,” he continues, “while their hearts are all speckled and spotted with iniquity of which they cannot rid themselves” (Hawthorne 105). Although Dimmesdale feigns he has no secret to convey, he feels inside, his heart pumping with the overwhelming encumbrance of his
sin. Furthermore, the young minister can often be seen with his hand among his left breast, lingering above his guilt–ridden heart. He resolves to continue onward with his life, providing service for others, to appear morally ambitious in the eyes of others, in order to cover the enigma.