In Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, Hester and Dimmesdale are enmeshed in self-deception because they are both caught in a false interpretation of their respective sins and in an opaque vision of a better life. Hester is confused by her own interpretation of the Scarlet Letter, and Dimmesdale is captivated by Hester's inspiring words for a better life. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Hester is disillusioned by the fact that she believes that her punishment and the burden of her punishment will evaporate with the removal of the scarlet letter. She feels like she has done her share of penance. Hester asks Dimmesdale why they should “dwell on [sin] now when “[she] could undo it all.” She believes that they should not dwell on their sin and that sin can be erased by literally tearing out the letter. Hester, too, believes she can “undo everything” by removing the letter from her chest. The situation described here shows that as her illusion gives way to deception on his part, Hester feels "exquisite relief", a feeling that she has. had not “known the weight”. Hester feels as if a burden is lifted from her shoulders; it is his freedom. But more importantly, Hester overlooks the fact that the Scarlet Letter also weighs on her conscience, the Letter is an article. of clothing for punishment and can be removed from the body physically, but not mentally. The “other” form of penance, however, is physically intangible; it cannot be rejected from his conscience. Therefore, his withdrawal from the Scarlet Letter constrained Hester. believing that she can live without obligation of her punishment by removing it. And this illusion makes her not think realistically and not fully understand that she cannot get rid of her sin or the punishment of her conscience. Dimmesdale is revealed to be caught in Hester's vision, reflected in his reaction to the release and purge of his sin and penance. He is grateful to Hester for helping him in his transmutation from sadness to happiness. After feeling pardoned by society according to Hester, Dimmesdale felt "a strange glow of enjoyment" which had an "exhilarating effect" on him. He feels as if he is finally free from his torments of sin. Before, Dimmesdale had never experienced such exaltation; he had only known torments and anguish. But now, a “free atmosphere” envelops Dimmesdale. He thinks that he can now live free from his penance; his reaction shows his childish desire to free himself from his penance. Dimmesdale describes the nature of the current situation by saying that God is “merciful.” Dimmesdale believes that God has now forgiven him and given him “merciful” blessings. However, his evidence of joy only exists because of Hester's words of encouragement. Dimmesdale says that before he was "sick, stained with sin, and blackened with sorrow," but now he "has risen brand new." The words “defiled by sin” and “made new” show a stark contrast between the “beginning and the end” of his change. The joy that follows shows that Dimmesdale is captivated by Hester's words. He directly credits Hester for the change in his ways and calls her "[his] better angel." The word “angel” personifies a savior or heroine. Without his words of encouragement, Dimmesdale would have thought for a moment and discovered that society, in fact, would not forgive him. In the forest he is free and innocent, but in society and in his community, the knowledge of his sin would be devastating for his.