The ending

I was satisfied with the way the book ended in that it was neither a sad or happy ending. Sure, it was sad in that both Hester and Dimmesdale died but it was also happy and peaceful in the way that they were buried next to each other. I am a little disappointed though that this book once again ended with death. It has been a long time since I have read a story in English class that someone did not die in the end. I believe there are many other ways to end a story.