The Scarlet Letter 5: 107-126

“To sum up the matter, it grew to be a widely diffused opinion, that the Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale, like many other personages of especial sanctity, in all ages of the Christian world, was haunted either by Satan himself, or Satan emissary, in the guise of old Roger Chillingworth” (116).

When Chillingworth arrived in the town, he was well regarded, “Heaven had wrought an absolute miracle”(110). It was a blessing for him to cure their beloved Reverend Dimmesdale. The downside was that through being around Chillingworth, Dimmesdale’s health suffered. As days went by, not only did Dimmesdale become unhealthier, but Chillingworth’s appearance became different, “something ugly and evil in his face” (116). It did not take long for the townspeople to pick up on Chillingworth’s evil intentions. Since most people did not spend time with Indians, Chillingworth created even more suspicion among the townspeople. Their only explanation for his presence was that he was Satan or a follower of Satan. His only goal was to harm their adored Reverend.


“Why should a wretched man, guilty, we will say of murder, prefer to keep the dead corpse buried in his own heart, rather than fling it forth at once, and let the universe take care of it!” (120)

Dimmesdale was determined to find Pearl’s father, so much to the extent of moving in with a suspect. Once he found him, he would torture him. Chillingworth would do whatever it took to get revenge. He was obsessed with hurting Dimmesdale; he wanted to play with his conscience. Chillingworth offered subtle hints that suggested he knew Dimmesdale was the father of Pearl. His goal was to guilt Dimmesdale into confessing. Chillingworth got the best of Dimmesdale. He was able to force Dimmesdale into saying he will never share his sin with him. This suggests he has committed a serious sin. In the end, Dimmesdale believes what he says does not matter because God will either save him or let him die.

Questions:
Does Dimmesdale suspect Chillingworth knows his sin?
If the people think Chillingworth is the Devil, will they do anything to get rid of him?