Pearl's character in Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel "The Scarlet Letter" symbolizes the consequences of forbidden love and the inner turmoil of living with a tainted reputation. She represents both the innocence of a child and the rebellious nature inherited from her parents. Through Pearl, Hawthorne explores the complexities of human nature and the lasting effects of sin and guilt.
Chillingworth is a fictional character in the book, The Scarlet Letter. When Chillingworth died, he left all of his money and belongs to Pearl.
Roger Chillingworth approaches Dimmesdale just as he invites Pearl and Hester to join him near the scaffold.
Chillingworth discovers Dimmesdale's secret sin when he sees a mark in the shape of an "A" on the sleeping Dimmesdale's chest. This confirms his suspicions that Dimmesdale is the father of Hester Prynne's daughter, Pearl.
Pearl feels a sense of unease and mistrust towards Chillingworth when she sees him with Rev. Dimmesdale. She is perceptive enough to recognize Chillingworth’s malevolent intentions and perceives him as a dark and sinister presence in their lives. Pearl's instinctual reaction is one of disdain and aversion towards Chillingworth.
Chillingworth wastes away and dies within a year of the minister's passing, leaving a sizable inheritance to Pearl.
she insinuates that chillingworth is a bad man and doesn't like them or wants to catch them.
Hester -Pearl -Chillingworth -Reverend Dimmesdale
Hester decides to speak to Chillingworth because she realizes that his revengeful nature is harming both her and Dimmesdale. She hopes to bring an end to their suffering by convincing Chillingworth to release Dimmesdale from his torment and to find peace for himself as well.
Chillingworth figures out that Dimmesdale is Pearl's father by observing his deteriorating health and demeanor, as well as the guilt and emotional toll Dimmesdale bears. Chillingworth also observes the deep bond and connection between Dimmesdale and Hester, which leads him to suspect their relationship. Through his manipulation and probing, he eventually confirms his suspicions.
In Chapter 9 of "The Scarlet Letter," Pearl says of Chillingworth, "Thou art not my child! Thou art no Pearl of mine!" This quote suggests that Chillingworth's influence and presence have corrupted and estranged Pearl from her own mother, further associating him with evil in the novel.
Chillingworth secretly supports Hester and Pearl financially out of guilt for his mistreatment of them. He sees helping them as a way to atone for his past actions and maybe gain redemption. Despite his outward animosity towards Hester, he still cares for her and wants to ensure she and Pearl are taken care of.
Chillingworth's main suspect is Reverend Dimmesdale, whom he believes is Hester Prynne's secret lover and the father of her child. Chillingworth manipulates Dimmesdale's guilt to torment him throughout the novel, making him his victim in a psychological sense.