The Scarlet Letter
12. According to Dimmesdale, which is more painful, to admit wrongdoing and to bear the shame of it openly ot to hide it away?
chapters 8-10
chapters 8-10
Private suffering, according to Dimmesdale, is far worse than being open about one's sins. It explains his suffering and the way in which Hester can "move on" with her life while he begins to deteriorate.