The Scarlet Letter, Ch. 9

​Why has Chillingworth decided not to come forward as Hester's husband?

• ​It was very shameful for a husband to be cheated on and he felt that he would be looked down upon.​

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​Why is Chillingworth so welcomed in Boston?

• ​Because of his profession; there were very few people who had any type of training in the medical field, so he is considered very valuable.

• ​He has grown emaciated (very skinny)

• ​He is paler

• He is unhealthier

• ​Lost his vivaciousness

• ​His voice has a "melancholy prophecy of decay" to it

​How is Dimmesdale viewed by his congregation?

• The people love him. They consider him to be one step below sainthood.

• "Some declared, that, if Mr. Dimmesdale were really going to die, it was cause enough, that the world was not worthy" (110).​

• ​Dimmesdale believes that, if he is dying, it is because he is unworthy of performing the mission that God sent him here to do.

• ​Anytime he feels alarmed or startled, he puts his hand over his heart and looks like he is in pain.

​How does Chillingworth come to be Dimmesdale's medical adviser?

• Dimmesdale's parishioners are concerned about his health, and so push him into accepting help from Chillingworth.​

What rumor about Chillingworth gains ground?

• That God worked a miracle by transporting Chillingworth to Mr. Dimmesdale (or working it so that Chillingworth is there to help Dimmesdale).​

​What extended simile is used to explain Dimmesdale's conversations with Chillingworth?

• ​Dimmesdale enjoys talking with Chillingworth because they are both intelligent, educated men; however, Dimmesdale views everything through a religious lens, whereas Chillingworth views everything through a more scientific lens.

• ​"It was as if a window were thrown open, admitting a freer atmosphere into the close and stifled study... But the air was too fresh and chill to be long breathed with comfort" (113).

​What is Chillingworth's ulterior motive?

• He is trying to find out all of Dimmesdale's secrets​

​Where do the two men end up living?

• At a hint from Chillingworth, they move in together with a pious widow.​

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​The two views of Chillingworth

​View A

​Gift from God

​Divine intervention

​Saving Dimmesdale's life

​View B

​Comes from Satan

​A test to help Dimmesdale get to heaven