Dimmesdale is not free since he does not live with his moral code, because he is concerned with society’s condemnation. He hides his secret of adultery, which is going against his moral code of honesty. Consequently, he is unable to relieve himself of his guilt, and for this reason, he believes that “the only truth that…give[s] [him] a real existence on this earth [is] the anguish in his inmost soul” (134). As revealed, the truth is found in Dimmesdale’s burden. To be free, he needs to reveal his secret. By doing so, he is living under his moral code and as himself, and he is not keeping his “real existence” that lets him be free within himself. On the other hand, Dimmesdale makes an unsatisfying choice to live against his moral code. Because of this, he becomes worry when Hester tells him that Chillingworth is her husband. Dimmesdale panics and says, “Here is a new horror! Roger Chillingworth knows your purpose to reveal his true character. Will he continue, then to keep our secret” (179)? Because Dimmesdale still has not revealed his secret and been honest and open, his conscience is bothered that the truth will come out from Chillingworth. Thus, he is not free because he allows himself to hide his own secret and not live with his moral code of honesty. Living as he does against his moral code, Dimmesdale is ultimately left with an uneasy conscience and is not free.

In this passage, it is being argued that Dimmesdale is not free because he is not living in accordance with his moral code. The text explains that Dimmesdale's concern with society's condemnation leads him to hide his secret of adultery, which goes against his moral code of honesty. As a result, he is unable to rid himself of guilt, and he believes that the only truth that gives him a sense of existence is the anguish in his soul. The passage suggests that in order to be free, Dimmesdale needs to reveal his secret and live in accordance with his moral code.

To better understand this argument, we can break it down into a few key points:

1. Dimmesdale's Concern with Society's Condemnation: The passage highlights that Dimmesdale's fear of societal judgment prevents him from living honestly. He hides his secret of adultery, which goes against his moral code.

2. Guilt and Inability to Relieve Himself: Dimmesdale's concealment of his sin leads to guilt that he cannot overcome. By keeping his secret, he is unable to find relief from his guilt and inner turmoil.

3. Truth Found in Burden: The passage suggests that Dimmesdale's truth lies in the burden he carries. It is implied that by revealing his secret, he would be living in line with his moral code and true self, rather than hiding behind a false existence.

4. Fear of Truth Coming Out: Dimmesdale's uneasiness is further heightened when Hester informs him that Chillingworth, her husband, knows her intention to reveal his true character. This implies that Dimmesdale's conscience is troubled by the possibility of Chillingworth exposing the truth.

Overall, the passage argues that Dimmesdale's decision to live against his moral code prevents him from being free. His failure to reveal his secret and live honestly leads to an uneasy conscience and a lack of freedom.