Final answer:
Hawthorne's character Reverend Dimmesdale from 'The Scarlet Letter' can be compared to Biblical figures who are outwardly pious but inwardly sinful, which is a theme present in both 'The Scarlet Letter' and 'Young Goodman Brown.' The irony lies in the contrast between public virtue and private sin.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nathaniel Hawthorne's short story, "Young Goodman Brown," does not directly involve the character of Reverend Dimmesdale, as he is a character in another of Hawthorne's works, The Scarlet Letter. However, if we were to draw comparisons as illustrated through Hawthorne's use of religious figures and irony, we could surmise that Dimmesdale may be compared to Biblical figures that outwardly appear holy and virtuous but are inwardly sinful or flawed. In the context of Hawthorne's works, often it is the supposed piety of characters that is juxtaposed ironically against their private sins, illustrating the theme of hidden sin within seemingly saintly individuals.
In "Young Goodman Brown," Hawthorne illustrates the idea that those perceived as pious in public may be hiding secret sins through the portrayal of characters such as Goody Cloyse and the revelation at the story's climax that many respected members of the community are attending a devilish gathering. This concept relates to Dimmesdale in The Scarlet Letter, who is revered by the congregation but internally struggles with his secret sin.