The purpose of this essay is to investigate reverend Arthur Dimmesdale’s main reasons for hiding and for revealing the truth of committing adultery with a congregation member. Essays on The Scarlet Letter often analyse the situation of the woman protagonist Hester Prynne. But, the main male character’s situation is also fascinating as he has to deal with difficult moral choices. A close reading of the novel exposes the underlying reasons for hiding and for revealing the truth, which are complicated by the fact that he is a clergy man. The essay includes observations regarding the interaction between the individual and society and how it affects Dimmesdale’s point of view. The result of this investigation shows the ambiguity of moral attitudes and the main reasons for Dimmesdale’s moral struggle. Thus, the textual investigation of The Scarlet Letter highlights the fact that there often are many cooperating reasons which create a difficult dilemma.