" Nevertheless, time went on; a kind of intimacy, as we have said, grew up between these two cultivated minds, which had as wide a field as the whole sphere of human thought and to meet upon; they discussed every topic of ethics and religion, of public affairs, and private character; they talked much, on both sides, of matters that seemed personal to themselves; and yet no secret, such as the physician fancied must exist there, ever stole out of the minister's consciousness into his companion's ear." (123) The Scarlet Letter
In Chapter nine- The Leech- Hawthorne increases the plot of his novel by including one more relationship, this one between Roger Chillingworth- only mentioned a couple of times- husband of Hester Prynne whom she committed adultery against and Mr. Dimmesdale- the young minister who defended Hester when the Governor and other religious leaders wished to take Pearl away from her. And so the relationship between Chillingworth and Dimmesdale is described as a strong one, with sincerity and brotherly love, both seem to appreciate each other's company respectfully and both enjoy each other's company; as it is great to engage in intellectual conversations and to spend time with another who thinks as one does.. This quote is significant because it contains vital foreshadowing hints, it is an eye-opener to future events and it gives the audience a clue about who may be Prynne's secret lover.. Also this passage succeeds in furthermore describing personality traits, belonging to Chillingworth and Dimmesdale, both whom are very similar.. The author uses Litotes, to deny the contrary which may be true... His purpose for doing so, may be to stir thoughts into his audience and to make the story more exciting.. Hawthorne in addition, uses Polysyndeton in order to conjoin sentences, and perhaps make a complex sentence on purpose so that the longer the sentence, the more thinking, the reader must use..
Questions:
1. Why do you think Roger Chillingworth seeks to have a relationship with Mr. Arthur Dimmesdale, or vise versa?
2. Will Arthur Dimmesdale die because of his illness? What do you suggest has caused this illness?
3. Am I wrong, for making predictions early? Jumping to conclusions?
