The Scarlet Letter
14. Why does Hester feel responsible for Dimmesdale's condition?
chp 11-14
chp 11-14
Hester feels responsible for Dimmesdale's condition because she has let him stew in his shame and guilt. Dimmesdale has been torturing himself over his secret, he has been slowly killing himself.
Her secret also allows Chillingworth to make things worse for Dimmesdale.