How does Dimmesdale try to purify his body in Scarlet Letter?

Answer 1

Dimmesdale tries to purify his body by fasting, self-flagellation, and praying. He believes that these acts of penance will cleanse his soul of his sin and alleviate his guilt for his relationship with Hester Prynne.

Answer 2

Dimmesdale, since he did commit adultery with Hester, saw himself as a failure. He thought that he had commited a great sin and the only way to make things any better in the light of God was for him to be exposed to the town. However, he couldn't bring himself to admit to it in front of the town until the end of the book. He wanted Hester to reveal him; to show him to the town. She promised him that she wouldn't. So he continued to torture himself, and to make himself pay for the wrong that he did until he admited to it before he died.

Answer 3

He goes without food and sleep for long periods of time, and he also whips himself on his back, causing cuts and bleeding. These attempts to atone for his sins do not work. Neither does his later standing on the scaffold at night when no one can see him.

Answer 4

He whipped himself in his closet to punished himself; called penitence

Answer 5

He whips himself, observes fasts (starves himself), and most importantly he brands himself his own version of the scarlet letter

Answer 6

Dimmsdale ends up whipping himself, starving and praying continously.

Answer 7

He begins torturing himself in numerous ways. He avoids sleeping, as well as inflicting pain upon himself in the form of a mark on his chest.

Answer 8

praying for forgivness

Answer 9

He commits audtery with hester