The Scarlet Letter

Why is the chapter called "The Minister in a Maze"? In chapter 20.

Why is the chapter called "The Minister in a Maze"? In chapter 20.

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Dimmesdale's confusion and changed spirit are clearly results of his passionate bonding with Hester in the woods. Still, the evil thoughts that he keeps having are difficult to explain. It is likely that Hester has infected him with her passion to the point that he is willing to break with the Puritanical strictness and start "living" in the romantic sense. This puts poor Dimmesdale in a maze of emotion. He is tying to break free of the hold both Puritan belief as well as Chillingworth has over him. He is trying to find peace while being ripped a part in different ways.

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