In the romantic novel, The Scarlet Letter, Nathanial Hawthorne incorporates extensive details, symbols, and allegorical images to explore how sin affects a person and how they evolve psychologically and physically over time due to it. One of the characters that Hawthorne illustrates and depicts thoroughly is Roger Chillingworth, who is transformed from a person who was "kind, true, just" into a dark fiend who is resolute on causing Arthur Dimmesdale "to die daily a living death." Even though Chillingworth did not play a role in the sin that Hester Prynne and Arthur Dimmesdale committed, he is the most affected by it. Chillingworth's goal to seek revenge consumes his soul and transforms him into a devil.
The reader might feel pity for Chillingworth during the beginning of story; He has been missing for two years and when he finally visits the Puritan city, he finds his wife standing on a scaffold being publicly criticized for having a baby with someone other than her husband.
The Scarlet Letter (1860) by T. H. Matteson. Oil o...
English: Hester Prynne & Pearl before the stocks
This is the title page for the first edition of Th...However, that sentiment soon fades after realizing the wicked character of Chillingworth.
Short but Good
This essay is a little short, but is to the point and gives your opinion. I for one thought Dimmesdale was the greatest sinner, but thats just my opinion. Good Essay.
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