Character Analysis Of Chillingworth In 'The Leech' By Nathaniel Hawthorne

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In Chapter 9, “The Leech,” Hawthorne uses many devices to reveal aspects of both Chillingworth and Dimmesdale’s character. For instance, even the title of the chapter hold significance in regards to Chillingworth’s character. Hawthorn used the old-fashioned term “leech” for “physician” because of its double meaning; while Chillingworth is acting as the minister’s doctor, he is also metaphorically sucking the life out of his as he seeks his revenge. Throughout the chapter Chillingworth’s evil nature is developed through the descriptions of his features. While before his expression had been “calm, meditative, scholar-like,” Hawthorne soon describes the change in his face to be “something ugly and evil” (Hawthorne 145). In addition, Hawthorne

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