What Is Chillingworth's Identity In The Scarlet Letter

Chillingworth hides his true identity throughout the book, equivalent to the way Dimmesdale hides his guilt from the town. Evidence is given in chapter four that suggests he is Hester's husband. “You have kept your lover’s secret. Keep mine, too! No one knows me here. Don’t tell a soul that you ever called me husband!” Chillingworth proclaims to his wife Hester. (Sparknotes). Chillingworth’s hidden identity is a symbol for Dimmesdale’s guilt because in both cases the truth is kept from everyone except Hester. Dimmesdale is full of guilt from the time Hester stands on the scaffold. His guilt is so strong it causes him to feel sick, and become weak in his body. The town recognizes Dimmesdale’s sickness, however they have no clue it is caused by his abundant amount of guilt. This is also symbolized by Chillingworth’s

appearance. The town obviously knows who he is, however, they do not really know why he is there. In both cases the town recognizes the obvious but know nothing of the truth.
Dimmesdale is always accompanied by both his guilt and Chillingworth.

No matter what Dimmesdale does, or where he goes, he cannot escape the chilling presence of the two. Chillingworth is there to find the truth and he wants to find the man who had an affair with his wife. Suspecting Dimmesdale, Chillingworth strives to be with him at all times. Because Chillingworth is a doctor, and Dimmesdale is obviously sick, it is encouraged that Chillingworth stays with Dimmesdale for health reasons. The idea is turned into reality and Chillingworth moves in with Dimmesdale, never leaving his side. Wanting to escape reality, Hester and Dimmesdale make plans to run away. They would do so by getting on a ship that was set to sail east to England. Considering the idea that one cannot run from there guilt, it is obvious Dimmesdale could not escape his most hindering inner thoughts. Just like Dimmesdale’s guilt would stick with him through his travels, so would Chillingworth. Knowing of their plans, Chillingworth arranges a way to join Dimmesdale and Hester on their escape journey to England. Chillingworth is a clear representative for Dimmesdale's undeniable

guilt.
The symbol for Dimmesdale’s guilt is so clearly represented in the story, in the fact that Dimmesdale's guilt is introduced, the same time Chillingworth is. They do not only enter the story at the same time, they also exit the story around the same time. With a story that has taken place over a period of twenty years, the two die within one year of each other! Dimmesdale dies after confessing his sin to the town. The guilt he once had, no longer exist. Dimmesdale had released his guilt and was free. When Dimmesdale's guilt was no longer presence, Chillingworth is dead only a year later. His death can either be represented in the fact that Dimmesdale's guilt is gone forever, or he has regained that sin in his death. Coming and leaving at the same time is what sparked my idea toward the relation between the two.