The freedom of a broken law.

On page 117, in the passage that begins with "There is no law, nor reverence for authority," and ending with "None-save the freedom of a broken law." A true revelation occurs. This final line, spoken by Dimmsdale is possibly the most important thus far uttered. It refers to the sin of Hester (and of Dimmsdale himself), in such a light as has not been exposed until this point in the novel. The idea that a broken law could be a form of liberation as opposed to enslavement is one that is quite novel in what seems (at least on the surface) to be an extremely morally righteous and strict society. It is, however, hardly that simple. There can be little doubt that Pearl feels very unconstrained, and this results in her various labels; "elf", "demon seed", etc. Yet the sin surrounds more than just her ironically innocent world. It also swirls between Hester, Dimmsdale, and Roger Chillingworth. Does the sin bring freedom to any of them? It could hardy be said so. Hester is ostracized, outcast, and humiliated. Dimmsdale is tormented by his own heart and mind. Chillingworth is mutated and demonized by his consuming quest for revenge. Sounds far from freedom to me. This idea raises another question; Why then does Pearl receive emancipation while the others do not? I believe that is can only be because she was a product of sin, and not the cause of it. She is destined to serve eternally as a reminder of the "terrors" of adultery, but to herself being born on the outside of a very intolerant society releases her from the pressure of being tolerated by it. Hester must still have intercourse in the city for her livelihood, Dimmsdale is an eminent pastor, and Chillingworth must interact with Boston both for his living and for his quest of revenge. Little Pearl has no such constraints, and thus no such torments. It is for this reason that her state can be described as freedom. It truly is "The freedom of a broken law."