Hester suggests that Dimmesdale flee the community, either by boarding a ship or wandering further into the interior, anywhere where Chillingworth cannot get to him. By leaving he could perchance reestablish himself and preach to the "red men." Both Hester and Dimmesdale realize that his will to live, his spirit continues to be eroded by his contact with Chillingworth, and his physical and mental health continue to falter. Hester even volunteers to flee with him, to be his support. Sadly, this phrasing is a bit of foreshadowing, as the minister never leaves the village, and does, in fact, lie down and die at his confession.
No comments:
Post a Comment