Final answer:
In 'The Scarlet Letter,' the phrase 'the truth shall set you free' results in various outcomes for the main characters. It helps Hester Prynne find liberation, leads Arthur Dimmesdale to redemption and his demise, and drives Roger Chillingworth to corruption. The most accurate answer is Option a). it liberates them from social judgment, reflecting the complex effects of truth in the novel.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, the phrase 'the truth shall set you free' is deeply connected to the experiences of the three principal characters: Hester Prynne, Arthur Dimmesdale, and Roger Chillingworth. Each character's interaction with the truth and the consequences of that interaction reveal the complexities of sin, guilt, and redemption within the novel. Hester Prynne, who bears the scarlet letter as a mark of her sin, finds a form of liberation in her truth. Although she is ostracized by the Puritan society, her acceptance of her sin eventually allows her to live with more honesty and openness, unlike the other characters who continue to live with deceit. The truth brings Hester a sense of empowerment rather than a moral downfall or a deeper sense of guilt, allowing her to transform her identity from a sinner to a strong, resilient woman.
For Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale, truth is a source of intense internal conflict. His hidden sin gnaws at him, leading to physical and psychological torment. It is only when Dimmesdale confesses his sin publicly that he finds release from his suffering, albeit leading to his death shortly after. In Dimmesdale's case, the truth eventually sets him free from his inner demons by bringing his guilt to light, and ultimately, this act redeems his soul as he acknowledges his wrongdoing in front of the community. Roger Chillingworth's quest for truth is driven by vengeance rather than a desire for personal liberation. Upon discovering Dimmesdale's secret, Chillingworth uses this truth to torture the minister, which corrupts his own soul. Rather than finding freedom, Chillingworth becomes obsessed with revenge, which consumes him. His interaction with the truth leads not to freedom but to a further moral downfall and a life bound by hatred and malevolence.