Here, Hawthorne is describing the way that Dimmesdale walks through the forest to meet Hester. For many years, Dimmesdale has been isolated from society, living alone with Chillingworth, and has also concealed his guilt and shame to the public. The effects of doing so have been revealed in previous chapters but this is the first time we see him feeling that there is no purpose left in his life. He is described as “listless” and having “no reason for taking one step farther”. Concealing his guilt has worn him out to the point where he sees no desire in continuing his walk towards Hester, which can be interpreted as him seeing no purpose to continue living. Isolation has also taken a toll on him, seeing that he wants to “fling himself down at
