#36
IN such a case, it could only be the symptom of a highly disordered mental state, when a man, rendered morbidly self-contemplative by long, intense, and secret pain, had extended his egotism over the whole expanse of nature, until the firmament itself should appear no more than a fitting page for his soul's history and fate.
This section is referring directly to Dimmesdale and the mental torture he is enduring. Chillingsworth may play a huge part in destroying Dimmesdale but Arthur is the one that can release himself. He can release himself from this guilt and eventually overcome the shame by just telling the truth! When it says he extends his egotism over the expanse of nature this is can be related to the theme of nature. Dimmedale is so out of it and guilty that he believes he is receiving signs through nature. Nature of course being god and god being Nathaniel Hawthorn. The last bit speaks of firmament as his destination, but wouldn't his sins send him down to hell instead of heaven? Dimmesdale believes he still has God's friendship but I believe he is destined for a much harsher after life.
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