Question

When Dimmesdale starts getting ill, his followers see it as a sign that he is too pure for the world. Dimmesdale, however, sees it as a sign that he is too _____ for the world.

a) Corrupt
b) Worthy
c) Sinful
d) Fragile

Answer 1

Dimmesdale interprets his illness as a sign of his sinfulness, in contrast to his followers who see it as a mark of his excessive purity.

Step-by-step explanation:

When Dimmesdale starts getting ill, his followers interpret this as a sign of his excessive purity, as they regard his weakness as spiritual refinement. However, Dimmesdale's own perception of his illness is vastly different. He sees it as a manifestation of his moral corruption, a testament to the inner conflict and guilt he suffers due to his concealed sin. His declining health is not a sign that he is too pure for the world, but rather that he is too sinful.

Following the analysis of different literary characters in various texts, it is evident that characters often grapple with internal torment and sins that reflect on their external conditions, just like Dimmesdale's ailments mirror his troubled conscience.