Discussion Topic

Chillingworth's actions and character traits in his treatment of Dimmesdale in The Scarlet Letter

Summary:

Chillingworth's actions and character traits in his treatment of Dimmesdale are marked by manipulation and revenge. He disguises himself as a doctor to get close to Dimmesdale and systematically torments him, exploiting his guilt and deteriorating health. Chillingworth's obsession with revenge transforms him into a malevolent figure, devoid of compassion and consumed by his desire for retribution.

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What actions did Chillingworth take against Dimmesdale in The Scarlet Letter?

Chillingworth, or Roger Prynne, enacts psychological warfare on Arthur Dimmesdale because he feels that Dimmesdale has cuckolded him. Chillingworth is jealous of the love that Hester has for Dimmesdale and disgusted that Dimmesdale will not confess that he is Pearl's father.

His acts of psychological torture against Dimmesdale includes becoming his medical adviser, seen in chapters nine and ten. The two men move in together and spend a great deal of time in each other's company. Chillingworth works to win Dimmesdale's trust, hoping that he will unburden himself and confess his sin. They have long conversations about the sins of other men, and Chillingworth opines that men's spiritual sickness manifests physically, implying that Dimmesdale's fading health is the result of his hidden sinfulness.

Chillingworth never goes so far as to overtly accuse Dimmesdale, but he becomes adept at playing on Dimmesdale's psychological weaknesses and persistently trying to get...

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him to admit what he has done. Since Dimmesdale is a Puritan and deeply understands their beliefs about how God punishes sinners, Chillingworth's subtle manipulations are effective. His cruelty intensifies the anxiety Dimmesdale feels about eternal punishment, to say nothing of the guilt he feels about leaving Hester and Pearl to fend for themselves in a hostile community and his hypocrisy in leading a congregation.

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What character traits describe Chillingworth's treatment of Dimmesdale in The Scarlet Letter?

Chillingworth's treatment of Rev. Arthur Dimmesdale in The Scarlet Letter fluctuates from amicable, to supportive; then it shifts to imposing to the point of becoming almost abrasive.

The men began with an amicable exchange of words that led Chillingworth to act as Dimmesdale direct medical advisor. From them on, they formed a bond quite strong where Chillingworth basically allowed for Dimmesdale to take the lead in expressing his deepest feelings and emotions, as much as he would be willing to do so.

As not only the disease interested the physician, but he was strongly moved to look into the character and qualities of the patient, these two men, so different in age, came gradually to spend much time together.

When Chillingworth and Dimmesdale got to the point of moving in together the latter was always at the mercy of Chillingoworth to the point that Chillingworth even attended the meetings at the Governor's Hall. In the everyday relations of the two men, Chillingworth would always be pressing and insistent in showing uncanny concern, without really meaning it; all that he is always after is a confession from Dimmesdale.

Roger Chillingworth—the man of skill, the kind and friendly physician—strove to go deep into his patient's bosom, delving among his principles, prying into his recollections, and probing every thing with a cautious touch, like a treasure-seeker in a dark cavern.

As a result of Chillingworth's insistence and possessive nature, Dimmesdale begins to pull away from him, fearing that something strange is happening with the older man. Chillingworth is also changing physically, which is symbolic of how evil can change people for the worse. However, during this time he is at his most decisive and determined, pushing Dimmesdale farther and farther away while trying desperately to cling to him.

Therefore, Chillingworht's overall treatment of Dimmesdale is characterized by being invasive, overbearing, somewhat abrasive, and stubborn at most in terms of how he is determined to get the information that he wants so badly for Dimmesdale to admit.

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