An Analysis of
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THE LEECH
An Analysis of Chapter 9
Tone
The Tone Is Mysterious, Ominous, And Introspective, Reflecting The Secretive And Probing Nature Of Chillingworth And The Inner Turmoil Of Dimmesdale.
Basic Stats
| Intensity | Clarity | Conflict | Resolution | Pacing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exciting - (3) | Clear - (4) | Hostile - (4) | None - (1) | Moderate - (3) |
Basically...
Roger Chillingworth, arriving in Boston as a physician after witnessing Hester's shaming, becomes the medical advisor to the ailing Reverend Mr. Dimmesdale, secretly probing his heart and conscience for the truth about his disease.
In more detail...
Under the guise of Roger Chillingworth, a man previously associated with Hester Prynne resolves to conceal his true identity and remain hidden. He takes up residence in the Puritan town, offering his services as a physician, and becoming revered for his extensive medical knowledge. Chillingworth chooses the Reverend Mr. Dimmesdale as his spiritual guide and becomes deeply interested in Dimmesdale's health, which is failing, possibly due to the minister's guilt and self-punishment over his secret sin. The townspeople, including the church's elders, encourage Dimmesdale to accept Chillingworth's medical assistance. Over time, the men form a close association, though Chillingworth's true intentions are to uncover Dimmesdale's hidden sin. The townsfolk have started to notice a change in Chillingworth, perceiving an evil in his demeanor, and some begin suspecting that he might be an agent of Satan sent to torment the minister.
Characters
- Roger Chillingworth
- About - Chillingworth is a learned physician who arrives in town and becomes the medical advisor to Reverend Mr. Dimmesdale, secretly probing for the truth about his connection to Hester's sin. He is depicted as intelligent and insidious, obsessively seeking to uncover Dimmesdale's secrets.
- Personality Traits - Chillingworth is methodical, intelligent, and calculating, showcasing his scheming by insinuating himself into Dimmesdale's life under the pretense of offering medical help while he searches for hidden truths.
- Physical Characteristics - Described as an elderly, travel-worn man with a face that gradually becomes uglier and eviler to the townsfolk as time passes.
- Character Connections
- Hester Prynne - Previously connected with Hester, Chillingworth has a secretive past association with her, now observing her only from a distance.
- Reverend Mr. Dimmesdale - Becomes closely associated with Dimmesdale as his physician and confidant, though with underlying malevolent intentions.
- Reverend Mr. Dimmesdale
- About - The young minister of the town, Dimmesdale is suffering from an unknown illness that many suspect is due to some secret sin. He becomes a patient and a close associate of Chillingworth, who seeks to discover the truth behind his malady.
- Personality Traits - He is earnest, pious, and intensely introspective with a sense of humility, and exhibits a decline in both physical health and spiritual resolve.
- Physical Characteristics - Dimmesdale is pale with 'a flush of pain flitting over his brow' and is often observed to be putting his hand over his heart in pain.
- Character Connections
- Roger Chillingworth - Chosen by Dimmesdale as his spiritual guide, they become close through discussions about medicine and faith, though Dimmesdale is unaware of Chillingworth's true intent.
- Hester Prynne - There is an implied connection between Dimmesdale and Hester through their shared secret, hinted at by their interactions and Chillingworth's suspicions.