What is the relationship between Dimmesdale and Chillingworth?
Chillingworth was Hester’s real husband while Dimmesdale was her lover. Throughout the book, it could be said that they were opposites of each other. While Roger was lusting for revenge on Hester for what she had done with another man, Dimmesdale was hiding from the sin and adultery that he had committed with her.
What did Chillingworth do Dimmesdale?
In addition to provoking Dimmesdale to contemplate leaving Boston with Hester, Chillingworth exacerbates Dimmesdale’s illness by mentally torturing him, which eventually results in his death.
What do Chillingworth and Dimmesdale have in common?
Chillingworth and Dimmesdale are both in love with the same woman, and both have a deep relationship with her. In comparison, both men have secrets. Being a Reverend, Dimmesdale’s secret seems to be worse just because he is a Reverend.
Why does Dimmesdale seem to be hiding something during his conversation with Chillingworth?
In Chapter 10 of “The Scarlet Letter”, Chillingworth already suspects Dimmesdale of being the father of Pearl and he is digging, trying to find out if he can coax the truth from the minister. Dimmesdale seems to be hiding something because he his the father of Pearl and does not want to admit it to anyone.
What does Chillingworth see when Dimmesdale is asleep?
At the end of Chapter 10 when Dimmesdale fell asleep, Roger Chillingworth “thrust aside the vestment that, hitherto, had always covered it from the professional eye.” What did he see? He saw the letter A which Dimmesdale had been cutting into his chest from the moment Hester was punished for their sin.
What was Chillingworth’s secret?
He was “confessing” to God and himself and trying to make up for his sin in his own way. This confirms Chillingworth’s suspicions that Dimmesdale’s awful secret is that he is Pearl’s father and Hester’s lover.
Is Hester Prynne ashamed of her sin?
Characters in this novel go through their lives struggling with trying to cope with the guilt and shame associated with actions that lost them their honorable reputation. Hester Prynne’s guilt is the result of her committing adultery, which has a significant effect on her life.