The Scarlet Letter
Chapter Seventeen
Entry Thirty-Seven
In this chapter, Hester finally confesses Dimmesdale that Chillingworth is her husband and that she made a pact with him. Arthur has big problems dealing with that. He seems not able to forgive her. But why? First, he is a pastor and knows the bible by heart. One of Jesus' most important teachings is that you shall forgive. Because Dimmesdale devoted his life to God he should live like he wants human beings to live.
And furthermore, it seems he forgot that Hester forgave him too. He stayed in disguised for years when she suffered for both of them. Of course, he suffered too - probably more than she did. But if he would have stood up to avouch it would have helped Hester a lot. But he was too scared.
So in my opinion he doesn't have the right to be unforgiving. I don't know if he actually realized that in the end, maybe not, but he shows mercy eventually.
It takes Dimmesdale a few moments to forgive Hester (again a sign of his weakness). Sin and Forgiveness could be the most important aspect of this novel - especially within a community that seem unable to forgive.
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