I can see Dimmesdale's huge pressure to keep a mask on throughout most of this story. He has played this role of being the town's stable man, and one that they look to for direction and morality. Although, he has played this role and doesn't want to let down his town's people he should confess. There are times when one can just confess a sin to the Lord and be forgiven, without telling anyone else, but I don't believe this is one of those cases.
Dimmesdale says, "Happy are you, Hester, that wear the scarlet letter openly upon your bosom! Mine burns in secret!" I don't sympathize much for his to feel this inner pain, because he could end this pain by confessing. At the same time, I realize how hard that can be. He is being tormented innerly, but he won't feel freedom unless he lets this go; lets go of what others will think of him. Hawthorne wrote about Hester's character, "She had not known the weight, until she felt the freedom!" I wish this upon Dimmesdale, because life will be easier in the end if he mans-up at this earlier part in the story.
I would most definately have to agree with you Crista, there is a time where its appropriate to solely ask God for forgiveness, ie instances of Jealousy/Lust. I agree completely that this is not one of those instances. Half of the sinning group is forced to reap public exile, and the other half is able to live as though nothing happened. I agree, Dimmsdale should have come clean with the town, regardless of the consequences.
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