Reverend Dimmesdale suffers psychologically in the novel. Starting off as the epitome of religious guidance, Dimmesdale was the character least expected to be guilty of sin. But a further look into the story, and it is seen that Dimmesdale was guilty of arguably the greatest sin of the time, adultery. The Reverend wishes to admit this sin, but Hester Prynne does not allow him to, and Dimmesdale starts to break down, his sin haunting him, in every sleeping and waking moment. For example, Hester states, while meeting Dimmesdale in the woods, "There was a listlessness in his gait; as if he saw no reason for taking one step further, nor felt any desire to do so, but would have been glad, could he be glad of anything, to fling himself down at the root of the nearest tree, and lie there passive, for …show more content…
Sociologically, true alienation and loneliness leads to depression and suicide. Psychologically, guilt and regret drive the force of internal conflict and corruption. Half of those who know the truth about Dimmesdale and Hester Prynne have made the Reverend promise to never reveal the truth, while the other half intends to torture Dimmesdale endlessly, sending him into a downward spiral until what remains has no trace to the young and beloved Reverend Dimmesdale. For example, Dimmesdale exclaims, "I should long ago have thrown off these garments of mock holiness and have shown myself to mankind as they will see me at the judgement-seat." The Reverend wishes only to feel the relief and freedom that washes over Hester by shedding the facade of holiness that holds Dimmesdale in such Hugh regard. Without this veil of lies, he is able to create his identity anew, even if it is a stained and tainted identity, at least it is not a web of lies that even Dimmesdale himself can no longer