Roger Chillingworth Quotes

Roger Chillingworth: The Avenger

In The Scarlet Letter, there are several different types of characters that readers can identify as or relate to. As a reader, one can relate to Roger Chillingworth, through his motives of revenge, love, and pain. Chillingworth is transformed negatively by his plot to torment and stalk Dimmesdale, all because Hester’s mistake of infidelity. Nathaniel Hawthorne illustrates the theme that revenge is just as bad as adultery, through the trial and subsequent changes experienced by Roger Chillingworth.

At the beginning of the novel, Roger Chillingworth comes back from being incarcerated by Indians. He comes to find that his wife, Hester Prynne, has committed adultery with Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale, which results

There is a sympathy that will make me conscious of him. I shall see him tremble. I shall feel myself shudder, suddenly and unawares. Sooner or later, he must needs be mine.- Chillingworth. (Ch. 4)

This Shows that Chillingworth will pursue the identity of this man like he pursues his job.

Roger Chillingworth is motivated by revenge. He thrives on the pain and guilt of Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale and becomes a satan like figure towards Dimmesdale. According to Hawthorne-

To sum up the matter, it grew to be a widely diffused opinion that the Rev. Arthur Dimmesdale, like many other personages of special sanctity, in all ages of the Christian world, was haunted either by Satan himself or Satan's emissary, in the guise of old Roger Chillingworth. (Ch. 9)

There are many different characteristics Hawthorne gives Chillingworth. He makes it evident that Chillingworth is not charismatic though kind at times. His physical condition is poor and deteriorates very quickly. At the end of the book, Roger Chillingworth’s motivations change very drastically. While he is on his deathbed he has the chance to get revenge on Hester but does

(Ch. 24)

This shows that Chillingworth did not have enough hatred in his heart for Hester to get revenge before he died.

Chillingworth reflects the values of his culture by being a strong Christian puritan. He had strong beliefs like others and followed them. He was in agreement with the rest of the town about Hester’s sin. He thought is was wrong and she should be punished. Chillingworth says he is a godly man, but he does not act like one when he seeks revenge on Dimmesdale. Chillingworth transforms into the devil, by the way, he acts towards Dimmesdale, and he takes pride in making Dimmesdale suffer from guilt.

At this instant old Roger Chillingworth thrust himself through the crowd--or, perhaps, so dark, disturbed, and evil was his look, he rose up out of some nether region--to snatch back his victim from what he sought to do! Be that as it might, the old man rushed forward and caught the minister by the arm.- (Ch.