Chillingworth's Loss Of Innocence In Scarlet Letter

After two years of absence, Roger Chillingworth arrives to the hometown of his wife Hester Prynne. As he enters the town, he discovers that the townspeople are consuming all of the space that the market place holds. He soon realizes that the people are basking in content at a woman being shamed and humiliated for her wrongdoing. Seeking a better view, Chillingworth discovers that his "dutiful" wife is being punished for her immoral, sinful acts of adultery. He sees that the people treat her with disdain for conceiving a child out of wedlock. Consumed with anger, Chillingworth stands watching in silence. Rather than cause a scene in the middle of the town, he makes a decision: he decides to retaliate to Hester's promiscuous actions. In Nathanial

As he arrives into the town and sees Hester on the scaffold, Roger Chillingworth inquires to a townsperson, "'I pray you, good sir,' said he,' who is this woman?-- and wherefore is she here set up to public shame?'" (Hawthorne 46). Chillingworth is attempting to conceal who he really is in relation to Hester. Hester immediately recognized him, however "he slowly and calmly raised his finger, made a gesture in the air, and laid it on his lips" (Hawthorne 46). Roger Chillingworth does not want Hester to reveal who he is because is would destroy his reputation. Later on in novel, Chillingworth forces Hester to keep his identity a secret from Dimmesdale, the townspeople, and Pearl. Chillingworth begs, "'One thing, thou that wast my wife, I would enjoin upon thee...Thou hast kept the secret of thy paramour, Keep, likewise, mine! There are none in this town that know me.'" (Hawthorne 68). Roger Chillingworth is new to the town where Hester lives so no one knows who he is. The townspeople believe that Hester's husband was lost at sea and is dead. In order for him to proceed with his mischievous schemes. He uses his deceitful nature to accomplish his vengeful and nefarious

Throughout Hawthorne's novel, Chillingworth casts his revenge upon Reverend Dimmesdale for his sinful nature. In chapter 23, Dimmesdale understands that he is close to dying and he decides to confess his adulteress actions to the townspeople. It does not take long for Chillingworth to realize what is about to happen, he "thrust himself through the crowd...to snatch back his victim from what he sought to do"(Hawthorne 231). Dimmesdale is planning to admit his sins to the townspeople, which would cause Chillingworth's reign of revenge to end. He will do anything possible to prevent Dimmesdale from confessing his immoral behavior to the townspeople. As soon as he reaches Dimmesdale, Chillingworth exclaims, "'Madman, hold! what is your purpose?' whispered he, 'Wave back that woman! Cast off this child! All shall be well! Do not blacken your fame, and perish in dishonor! I can yet save you! Would you bring infamy on your sacred profession?'"(Hawthorne 194). Chillingworth is trying to stop Dimmesdale from revealing his sin, not to save his life, but to allow his villainous streak to prosper. Dimmesdale, however, continues with his confession, which angers Chillingworth greatly. Roger Chillingworth illustrates his anger when he states, "'Thou hast escaped me!'"(Hawthorne 197). Chillingworth realizes that he has lost to Dimmesdale, and he can no longer fulfill his vengeful plans. His