... hypocrite that he was!--the light in which his vague confession would be viewed." (127) They love him all the more for his honest and humble character, and this is Reverend Dimmesdale's intent. Even as he plans to run away with Hester Prynne four days after their meeting in the forest, he comforts himself with the knowledge that he will give his sermon on predestination on the third day, and thus ... forest. This seems to be the only escape for the Puritans in the novel. This is the only place where the people can be free from Puritan law and code. It is here, in the forest that Reveren...

• Word Count: 2932
• Approx Pages: 12
• Grade Level: High School