What Does Roger Chillingworth Symbolize In The Scarlet Letter

Why are symbols important? Symbols within this book relate to American life in the past, present, and future. The Scarlet Letter is a novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne about a woman named Hester. She wears a scarlet A on her chest. This symbol marks her as an adulterer and a sinner in the Puritan society where she resides. Roger is the man who was hurt because of this sin (her husband), and he is determined to uncover the identity of the man who “stole” his wife. In The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, Roger Chillingworth symbolizes revenge while Hester Prene can be seen as a symbol of strength. They have similarities such as anger and differences in the sins they carry. Roger Chillingworth represents revenge. Roger spoke to Hester about

This makes Arthur concerned, worsening his condition because he is afraid of the town discovering his secret and scorning him in this life and the next. Hester told Roger, “Better he died at once! Never did mortal suffer what this man has suffered. And all, all in the sight of his worst enemy!” (Hawthorne 157). Chillingworth pretends to be a doctor and says he will attempt to heal the reverend from his sickness. He never has the intention of healing Arthur because he holds a grudge against him for having a child with his wife. So vengeful is Roger, that he sins against his roommate by purposefully harming him. “Roger Chillingworth’s aspect had undergone a remarkable change while he had dwelt in town…” (Hawthorne 117). Through the course of this story, Roger can be seen changing spiritually and physically. He becomes a vile and cruel man and even the shape of his face changes. Hester Prene represents strength. “Open a passage; and, I promise ye, Mistress Prynne shall be set where man, woman, and child might have fair sight of her brave apparel, from this time…” (Hawthorne 51). This is a representation of strength because she is resisting the pressure of the community