Scarlet Letter Help

[tokool4puppets]

In the ending of the Scarlet Letter I am not exactly sure how Dimmesdale dies. I, at first, thought he stabbed himself but then after thinking about it I don't think that is quite right. Can anyone help me?

[bethany123]

I just finished reading this book, I loved it by the way.

Anyway, Dimmsdale has been steadily declining in health since the very beginning of this book. The night he died was the same night that he gave the most passionate sermon of his life, and also made an extremely passionate action in standing on the thingy with Hester and Pearl. These three things combined led to that night being Dimmsdale's last.

[Lulya]

I am reading it again.. for American Literature course..I loved it :)

[Leda]

Dimmesdale's demise, as well as Chillingworth's, was due to their incapacity to overcome their anguish, concealed guilt, secrets and mental exertion.