The Scarlet Letter (changes in Chillingworth)

Through Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel The Scarlet Letter, we see dynamic changes in the various characters. Old Roger Chillingworth, or Mr. Hester, as he was formerly known, certainly proves this thesis. When we first meet Roger, on the day of Hester's public punishment on the scalfold, he is, indeed, a likeable man. He is a calm, intelligent man who lives for knowledge. He is out to harm none, just to become all the more knowledgable. Even …

…mind and heart, trying to move him to confession, under the guise of concerned doctor or friend. And, in due time, Roger loses that calm kindness, that knowledgable peacefulness that once was his nature. He becomes instead malicious, diabolical, plotting and vengeful. His very life begins to revolve around not learning, but avenging himself on Dimmsdale. And thus, good old Mr. Roger Chillingworth, by letting hate seep into his heart, turns to a menancing feind.