"The Scarlet Letter"

Throughout The Scarlet Letter, the Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale is constantly battling with his need to accept and confess his sin, from the first scaffold scene at the beginning of the story to the third and last scaffold scene at the end. Each of these three scenes shows the dramatic changes in Dimmesdale over time, physically, mentally, and spiritually. They also show how much of a weight a sin can be on the heart and mind …

…his sin from God and the townspeople, Dimmesdale experienced physical and mental deterioration. It was not until the third scaffold scene occurred that he actually felt the burden being lifted off his heart and soul and felt free. Dimmesdale did not experience one truly happy moment until the story's end when he confessed his sin to everyone. This shows how much of a weight sins can put on one's soul if they are not repented.