Chillingworth's Use Of Characterization In Scarlet Letter

The development of characters and their specific attributes is the only insight the reader has about a character. In this way, an author can choose what to include about a character, and what to leave up to the reader to interpret. Characterization is arguably the most powerful literary tool an author has. Unlike reality, an author can present information to the reader from the point of view of the character, as well as other characters point of view of a certain character. All the different inputs about a character create one general theme for a book. Through the characterization of Hester Prynne, Arthur Dimmesdale, and Chillingworth, Hawthorne promotes the idea that hidden sin can be a destructive force. The most destructive hidden sin may be vengeful sin because, not only is revenge a sin, but it also fuels sinful actions. In the case of Chillingworth, his wife, Hester, was guilty of adultery. Upon his late arrival, Chillingworth declares that he will find the man responsible. “He bears no letter of infamy wrought into his garment, and thou dost; but I shall read it on his heart. Believe me, Hester, there are few things... few things hidden

Holding a secret is certainly hurting Reverend Dimmesdale. “About this period, however, the health of Mr. Dimmesdale had evidently begun to fail” (Hawthorne 107). His health is so far affected that the townspeople notice his health is declining. Soon enough he is appointed a physician, Chillingworth, who is there to improve Dimmesdale’s health. Instead, Chillingworth constantly hints at his suspicion and adds to the reverends guilty conscience. Dimmesdale carries this hidden sin to the end of the book when he finally reveals it. “Thou too, hast deeply sinned” (Hawthorne 233). Right after he confesses to his hidden sin he dies. The effect of hidden sin is reoccuring and ends in death or