Question

In Chapter 12 of The Scarlet Letter, what brings Reverend Dimmesdale to the scaffold at night?

A. He feels drawn to the scaffold by some otherworldly power.
B. He wishes to stand where Hester stood to atone for his own sins under the cover of darkness.
C. The scaffold is the best place to view the stars at night, so he goes there to clear his head.
D. He is there to mock Hester's torment.

Answer 1

The answer is B. He wishes to stand where Hester stood to atone for his own sins under the cover of darkness.
At first, atone for his own sins, he torture himslef with physical pain, such as whipping his own body. During one of the vigils he seized an idea to hold the vigil and stand where Hester stood where hester suffered for ther sin years before.