The Scarlet Letter, Ch. 10

​What was Chillingworth like, before his drive for revenge changed him?

• ​Nice and kind

• ​Calm

• ​Scholarly

• ​Old and not very attractive, but gentle

• ​#chillguy

​Who is Chillingworth investigating?

• ​Dimmesdale - why?

• ​He believes Dimmesdale is hiding secrets from him (even about his own health)

​What extended metaphor is used to explain Chillingworth's investigation into Dimmesdale's mind/heart?

• ​That of a miner digging for gold

• ​"He now dug into the poor clergyman's heart, like a miner searching for gold... The soil where this dark miner was working had perchance shown indications that encouraged him. Then...turning over many precious materials..." (118-119)

​Why doesn't Dimmesdale suspect Chillingworth of being "inimical to his peace"?

• ​There is a "certain morbidness" that has made him suspicious of everyone

• ​Because he feels like he can't trust anyone, he has a hard time actually recognizing someone who may be dangerous to him

​Chillingworth says he harvested some plants growing on a grave; he says maybe the plants grew out of the dead man's heart and are symbolic of a terrible secret he took to the grave with him. What is he trying to get Dimmesdale to do?

• ​Confess any secret he may be holding onto

How does Dimmesdale respond?​

• ​He says that only God can make someone tell their secrets and forgive them for those secrets.

• ​He goes on to say that many people have given their secrets to him and he has seen the relief on their faces; however, some people must hold onto their secrets.

​What does Pearl call Chillingworth?

• ​The Black Man (Satan)

• ​She says, "Come away, Mother, or the Black Man will catch you like he's caught the minister. But he can't catch Pearl!"

​What does Chillingworth do when he comes upon Dimmesdale napping one day?

• ​He pulls Dimmesdale's robe aside and stares at his chest.