A student wrote the following sentence:
Pearl's father, the Reverend Dimmesdale, decides to live his punishment in secret rather than in public. Though Hester suffers, she, at least, has some self-respect. In contrast, Dimmesdale is hounded by guilt and forced to live a double life.
Which replacement word would best clarify the meaning of "self-respect"?
A. Anger
B. Confidence
C. Honesty
D. Passion
I think the answer is either B. Confidence or C. Honesty. Confidence is a synonym for "self-respect" but I don't see what it has to do with guilt and living a double life.
