Scarlet Letter 5: 107-126

"Roger Chillingworth's aspect had undergone a remarkable change while he had dwelt in town, and especially since his abode with Mr. Dimmesdale. At first his expression had been calm and meditative, scholar-like. Now, there was something ugly and evil about his face, which they had not previously noticed, and which grew still the more obvious to sight the oftener they looked upon him"(116).

Roger Chillingworth seems obsessed with Mr. Dimmesdale. They formed a very close relationship and they even live together. It is rather obvious that Mr. Dimmesdale had the affair with Hester Prynne, and is Pearl's father. In the beginning of the book Chillingworth made it clear that he would not rest until he found out who Pearl's father was. It seems that his quest has turned him cynical and bitter. He appears ugly as his character has changed to be. His character is now unattractive, making him more physically unattractive because he is only filled with hate, anger, and revenge.


"So, to their own unutterable torment, they go about among their fellow-creatures, looking pure as new-fallen snow while their hearts are speckled and spotted with iniquity of which they cannot rid themselves"(121)

Mr. Dimmesdale is Pearl's father, and it is rather clear that Chillingworth figured this out and is now toying with Dimmesdale. Dimmesdale here is explaining how hard his burden is. He has to bear his sin alone, with only God and himself to judge it. He is explaining that he wants to do good things to make up for his sin. However, his heart, no matter how many good deeds are done, is still stained with sin. This is its own awful punishment in that no matter how good a sinner in hiding acts, he still cannot rid himself of a sin that was committed.

1. Will Chillingworth expose Dimmesdale's sin to the town?
2. Is Chillingworth more interested in killing or torturing Dimmesdale physically or emotionally?