"In their eyes, the very ground on which he trod was sanctified" (130).
This goes to show just how important and venerable Dimmesdale is to his fellow towns people. He is literally looked up to as some type of God and it is evident as to why Dimmesdale won't step up and confess. Contrary to Hester, the people have set high expectations for Dimmesdale, thus he would be a greater disappointment: "the agony with which this public veneration totured him!" (130). Hester is a beautiful woman who is often mistaken for a seductress, therefore people expect an act like that from her rather than the honorable clergyman. While it may seem like Hester's punishment is torturous, Dimmesdale's punishment is far worse. He is ultimately punishing himself, because of his cowardice. This is the only thing difference between his and Hester's punishment.
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