time to becoming hisconfidant in order to get his retribution. Vengeance was also one of the reasons thatChillingworth gives up his identity as Roger Prynne. The only way he can truly corruptDimmesdale is to live with him and be by his side every day. Because the only personwho knew his true identity is sworn to silence, he succeeds for a long time in trickingDimmesdale until Hester sees that he was going mad and finally revealed Chillingworthstrue identity. Chillingworth paid the ultimate price for exacting such a revenge. Hisquest for revenge consumed the man that he was and accordingly he dies one year afterDimmesdale because he has nothing left to live for. In conclusion, Hawthornes use ofcharacterization gives the book a unique feel by showing the feelings of Hester,Chillingworth, Dimmesdale, and Pearl indirectly through acts and symbolism.The Scarlet Letter revolves around two major symbols: light and darkness, andthe scarlet letter. The book is filled with light and darkness symbols because it representsthe most common battle of all time, good versus evil. When Hester and her daughter arewalking in the forest, Pearl exclaims, Mother, the sunshine does not love you. It runsaway and hides itself, because it is afraid of something on your bosom. Now see! Thereit is, playing, a good way off. Stand you here, and let me run and catch it. I am but achild. It will not flee from me, for I wear nothing on my bosom yet (192)! Hester triesto stretch her hand into the circle of light, but the sunshine vanishes. She then suggeststhat they go into the forest and rest. This short scene actually represents Hesters dailystruggle in life. The light represents what Hester wants to be, which is pure. Themovement of the light represents Hesters constant denial of acceptance. Hesters lack ofsurprise and quick suggestion to go into the forest, where it is dark, shows that she neverexpected to be accepted and is resigned to her statio...
