Dimmesdale and Chillingworth: Lovers or Liars?

Dimmesdale and Chillingworth: Lovers or Liars?

The book The Scarlet Letter has two characters that had an interesting relationship as the story progressed. Dimmesdale and Chillingworth. Their relationship was extremely different. They were always in spite or doubt of the others stories, like they were competing against one another and their view of Hester changed how the reader saw them individually. The author, Nathaniel Hawthorne, wrote their characters in this way on purpose. It gave the readers something else to follow that had an input on and altered the story because of their events. They added a whole new sense to the story that helped guide the story on the correct path. Without these characters, the story would have been less interesting and harder to follow than the current version.

First off, we all know how this story ends. Well, this is a great example of how Dimmesdale and Chillingworth both contradict each other. Dimmesdale, after the guilt took over him, decided to finally come true about his sins. Chillingworth has been trying to prove this since the start of the book,that he was the father, which gives a sense of relief to him. On the other hand, Dimmesdale had been trying to prove that Chillingworth was the father to throw blame off of himself. But, what is interesting, is that both Chillingworth and Dimmesdale wanted the same thing, justice to the one who had sinned. In chapter 14, Chillingworth stated, “ My finger, pointed at this man, would have hurled him from his pulpit into a dungeon, - thence, peradventure, to the gallows” (141). This is exactly what I am talking about. Chillingworth is just shoving blame down Dimmesdale’s throat. This proves that he was trying to throw as much of the accusations to him back at Dimmesdale. This gives reason for DImmesdale to retaliate and keep his “clean” name. In chapter 17, Dimmesdale stated, “And as for the people's reference, would that it were turned to scorn and hatred! Canst thou deem it, Hester, a consolation, that I must stand up in my pulpit, and meet so many eyes turned upward to my face, as if the light of Heaven were beaming from it”(159). This is another great example of how Chillingworth just kept throwing blame towards Dimmesdale. Dimmesdale had to keep covering himself by talking about how he had repented for his sins and they were behind him. Although Chillingworth didn't believe him, everyone else did. But, they were wrong. Dimmesdale is the father. He was repenting for the sin of adultery he had committed. Overall, Dimmesdale and Chillingworth fought a lot, but both, in the end, wanted justice for the one who had actually done it.

In addition to, Dimmesdale and Chillingworth both have their own views of Hester. Their views are almost opposite,