The Scarlet Letter
Explain the reference to laughter in Dimmesdale's statements: "I have laughed, in bitterness and agony of heart, at the contrast between what I seem and what I am! And Satan laughs at it!"
Chapter 17
Chapter 17
Dimmesdale no longer laughs in happiness. His laughter is tainted with regret, guilt, and sin. Dimmesdale's soul is in agony and the laughter he describes has a tone of mocking and damnation in it.