What mark does Dimmesdale bear on his chest as a sign of his guilt?

What mark does Dimmesdale bear on his chest as a sign of his guilt?

• A. A sign of his guilt
• B. A normal birthmark
• C. A self-inflicted mark in the shape of the letter A
• D. An ornamental tattoo

Answer: (C)

Dimmesdale’s guilt is given a physical form that starkly mirrors the guilt Hester bears. The mark on his chest is described as a scarlet letter—an A—burned into his flesh, a private badge he hides under his clothing as a personal act of penance. It isn’t a ordinary birthmark or a decorative tattoo; it stands for his own concealed sin and the weight of his conscience. Hawthorne uses this outward sign to show how his inner guilt becomes visible, especially in the climactic moment when he tears open his shirt and reveals the mark. In that sense, the mark is a self-inflicted sign in the shape of the letter A, tying his guilt to the same symbol that defines Hester’s punishment while underscoring his private struggle with confession.

Dimmesdale’s guilt is given a physical form that starkly mirrors the guilt Hester bears. The mark on his chest is described as a scarlet letter—an A—burned into his flesh, a private badge he hides under his clothing as a personal act of penance. It isn’t a ordinary birthmark or a decorative tattoo; it stands for his own concealed sin and the weight of his conscience. Hawthorne uses this outward sign to show how his inner guilt becomes visible, especially in the climactic moment when he tears open his shirt and reveals the mark. In that sense, the mark is a self-inflicted sign in the shape of the letter A, tying his guilt to the same symbol that defines Hester’s punishment while underscoring his private struggle with confession.