Thursday, November 4, 2010

Scarlet Letter Pg. 121

Entry 28:

"But what distinguished the physician's ecstasy from Satan's was the trait of wonder in it!"

Chillingsworth and Satan or the 'Black Man' are compared through this entire book. Their main common ground is where they can take over someone's soul and mind. Satan knows when he wins someone's soul, and Chillsworth has a hint of wonder that engages him to torment someone's spirit. He knows something's up with Dimmesdale, and that's why he goes on with the gesturing to the black weeds, and the fact people should just be honest because it will save them in the long run. He can tell the that Dimmesdale is hurting, and he doesn't understand why he's doing that to himself. Chillingsworth stands by and tries to help Dimmesdale survive so he can watch his sins destroy him. 

1 comment:

  1. Note that the difference between Satan and Chillingsworth is that "trait of wonder." Wonder is a human expression. Chillingsworth hasn't completely transformed, yet.

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