Roger Chillingsworth has been further revealed in this chapter in terms of his origins, purpose, and personality. In Chapter 9, he has been called in to help the weak Dimmesdale, and the text mentions that Chillingsworth has to get to know Dimmesdale before treating him. Why would that be so? Whatever is Chillingsworth 'reason,' he still goes through with it and appears to perform some type of black magic or witchcraft on him to try to get to his secrets. It is strange that the townspeople notice that Chillingsworth is a dark man, but Dimmesdale doesn't seem to notice. It might be possible that Chillingsworth knows that Dimmesdale might be the father, because it wouldn't make any other sense for him to try to go against him. At first, it was unclear as to why this chapter was titled 'The Leech,' but reading on, the reader realizes that Dimmesdale is pale and weak, and so since Chillingsworth was called in, he was probably going to treat him with leeches. However, Chillingsworth metaphorically is the leech--he is sucking out secrets from Dimmesdale and using them to avenge him, for whatever may be his reason. In Chapter 9, there is imagery and description to describe the setting and characters; moreover, Chillingsworth is described as a very unpleasing man in personality and aesthetically, and one actually begins to feel sympathy for Dimmesdale as opposed to Chillingsworth--he's doing good in trying to find out who is the man who "wronged" Hester and himself, so that he could be put up on the pedestal of shame, but based on the description, he is seen as a very, very evil man with no good intentions whatsoever. There is not much dialogue in this chapter, so it is focused more on the description and views of the omniscient narrator. But Roger Chillingsworth is a LEECH, and he needs someone to pour salt on him.
Questions:
- Do you think that Chillingsworth knows Dimmesdale's 'secret'? Or why would he want to plot against him, and look into his secrets?
- Who do you feel sympathy for? Dimmesdale or Chillingsworth?
- What effect does the author convey through Rev. Dimmesdale's defense-speech/argument on behalf of Hester?
How come your chapters aren't aligned with the assignment?
ReplyDeleteResponse to #1
Chillingworth may not know for sure Dimmesdale's secret, but he most likely has plausible suspicions. The fact that he defended Hester in order for her to keep Pearl may have aroused his suspicions and also angered him, as he would probably rather have Hester to live a miserable life (more than it already is- one without her precious jewel).
Response to #2
I rather dislike Chillingworth, on a personal note, but I guess I feel a little more sympathy for him. For one his disfigured, old, and probably ugly. That combination is sure to gnaw at anyone's self worth and esteem. In addition, his beautiful (ex)wife cheated on him with a, I'm guessing, handsome young man. He is a man of science, which back in those times, wasn't always the best position because most folks, especially in the colony and time period, were devout Christians, and believed in the will and creations of God: they didn't take to kindly to non-believers and scientists.
Huh? What do you mean my chapters aren't aligned? The purple paper says to read ch.s 8 and 9 even though the class blog is on 7 and 8
ReplyDeleteanyway ur ahead of us so chill...
ReplyDelete#2 I feel a little sympathetic toward Dimmesdale because he's sick,but other than that I dont feel sympathetic to no one. Chillingworth is out to get someone and Dimmesdale...well we'll see how he progresses in the story.
#3
Dimmesdale somehow seems forced to stand up for Hester because she persuades and demands him to defend her, and when he gives his speech he does it so that the governor may be convinced that she is a good mother and is doing all she can to bare a child and the scarlet letter at the same time.
#1 I believe Chillingsworth is suspecting that Dimmesdale and Hester have a secret between them.Therefore, he would try to investigate what thing Hester and Dimmesdale are hiding from the them.When Dimmesdale bravely defends Hester from the governor and Mr.Wilson from taking her child and the way Hester looks at Dimmesdale, Chillingsworth is suspecting something fishy is going on.
ReplyDelete#2 I feel sympathy towards Chillingsworth because he is the one who is being lied by Hester, he is going to do everything to find out who Pearl's father is, and because he is in the middle of Hester and Dimmesdale.
That’s why I asked Ms. Roz, she said to do the same chapters as in the class blog.
ReplyDelete1.Chillingworth doesn’t necessarily know Dimmesdale secret, well just yet. That’s why he is going to stay close with him and watch his every move. No doubt about it he already had his suspicions, because he is always on Hester’s side. Dimmesdale is currently sick in the novel, so he is going to need a physician, and that’s how Chillingworth is going to seek his revenge.
2.I feel more sympathy for Dimmesdale because it seems as if he wants to reveal himself to the town, but Hester does not let him. He wants to take the guilt too, and care for her daughter, but being a minister makes it more difficult. That’s why I feel sympathy for him since, it is a hard decision choosing between, his family or dying without them.
:] es5meralda