Hawthorne proposed that his title had a representative meaning, Dimmesdale meaning dim or not very bright. Arthur may be brilliant, for example, in theology, but when it comes to hypocrisy, he is stupid. Dimmesdale says early in the novel "What can thy silence do for him, but tempt him, yea, compel him, as it were, add hypocrisy to sin?" (Dimmesdale 47). He knows what would happen to him if he supported his sin when he is alone, but he is too pathetic at this point in the novel to admit it. The tapestries of biblical maturity, which are seen in Arthur's room, are deceptive. These things in theory should help him compensate for his sins in a way that makes him feel embarrassed, however he doesn't feel better. Arthur thinks every week about how serious sin can be and how he is the poorest sinner among all the people around him. These concessions made him even more hypocritical. Dimmesdale realizes how the faithful will interpret these confessions, he is not indifferent to their looks of respect. Dimmesdale appreciates being seen as a saint, realizing that he is a true sinner. The years of punishments suffered by the minister are attributable to his responsibility. If his commitment to society had prevented him from acknowledging his sin, he would not have been tortured. His love for society is comparable to Hester Prynne's love for Pearl. Dimmesdale adequately loves his society only to preach in it