Dimmesdale, who is Hester's partner in sin, the father of her child, is begging her in front the entire village to name the father of the child, in other words, to accuse him. He says that the father might not have the courage to confess his sin. He says it might be a relief for the father were Hester to name him. Then the father could stand beside her, sharing her shame.

Dimmesdale continues by saying it would save the father, if she named him, from having to hide his guilt for the rest of his life. It would spare him, as well, having to be a hypocrite, constantly pretending to be someone more virtuous than he really is. While painful, it would be better for him to have his sin out in the open so that he could be purified. This exposure would be the bitter but wholesome cup.

Dimmesdale is asking Hester to be strong for him. He wants her to do for him what he lacks the courage to himself. This she will not, determined to protect him.

If Hester would confess her sin, and name her lover, then the truth would come out. Even though it would be hard, the truth would actually be a relief. Dimmesdale is not at a point where he can confess his part, but he wants to be forced to acknowledge it.