Chillingworth is the embodiment of everything wicked. Hawthorne uses anything possible to show him in that light. For example, his chosen name, Chillingworth, paints him from the beginning as an unlovable character. The first time he appears in the book we learn that “one of this man’s shoulders rose higher than the other,” giving him a “slight deformity” (42). With his malicious nature and devilish appearance, Chillingworth very clearly represents the Black Man. He is the reason that Dimmesdale is so tormented; he preys on him just as the devil would a potential sinner. Hester herself even regards Chillingworth as the Black Man on one occasion: “‘Why dost thou smile so at me?’ inquired Hester, troubled at the expression of his eyes. ‘Art thou like the Black Man that haunts the forest round about us?’” (53). Chapters later, Pearl does as well: “Come away, mother! Come away, or yonder old Black Man will catch you! He hath got hold of the minister already…” (92). …show more content…
For example, Mistress Hibbins- the Governor’s sister, who was later executed as a witch- stops Hester in chapter ten and says, “Wilt thou go with us to-night? There will be a merry company in the forest; and I well-nigh promised the Black Man that comely Hester Prynne should make one,” (80). Chillingworth’s occupation, the physician, is reminiscent of witchcraft. He collects and uses herbs to create medicines for the minister, though none of them seem to improve his condition. In fact, Dimmesdale’s illness only worsens throughout the book until he eventually dies. It can be assumed that Chillingworth, as the symbol of Satan not only disabled his target by mental abuse, but by poison as