Both Uses of
expiate
in
The Scarlet Letter
- And thus, while standing on the scaffold, in this vain show of expiation, Mr. Dimmesdale was overcome with a great horror of mind, as if the universe were gazing at a scarlet token on his naked breast, right over his heart.†
p. 99.9 *expiation = atonement (a way of demonstrating sorrow for a wrong either by doing something good in return for the wrong, or by accepting punishment)
- None; unless it avail him somewhat that he was broken down by long and exquisite suffering; that his mind was darkened and confused by the very remorse which harrowed it; that, between fleeing as an avowed criminal, and remaining as a hypocrite, conscience might find it hard to strike the balance; that it was human to avoid the peril of death and infamy, and the inscrutable machinations of an enemy; that, finally, to this poor pilgrim, on his dreary and desert path, faint, sick, miserable, there appeared a glimpse of human affection and sympathy, a new life, and a true one, in exchange for the heavy doom which he was now expiating.†
p. 136.2expiating = atoning (demonstrating sorrow for a wrong either by doing something good in return for the wrong, or by accepting punishment)
Definition:
atone (demonstrate sorrow for a wrong either by doing something good to make up for the wrong, or accepting punishment)