Comparisons of Hester and Chillingworth

Nathanael Hawthorns book, The Scarlet Letter, provides beautiful contrasts between
each character. The deepest contrast, however, is between Hester Prynne and Roger
Chillingworth. Though, the most thorough comparisons are spread through the novel, a large
indicator to what Hawthorne feels for each of these people resides in the chapters The
Marketplace and The Recognition.
Hawthorne begins with intense imagery to describe the physical appearance of Hester:
She had dark and abundant hair, so glossy that it threw off the sunshine with a gleam
Already can be seen Hawthornes admiration for Hester- clearly shown through his vivid,
flattering diction. But, with this esteem came irony from within the story. The spectators had
anticipated her to look beaten down and submissive; rather, she stepped forth with glorious
determination and beauty. In this light, she became a hero built to overcome all odds set against
her.
Another method to further the hero characterization was Hawthornes venture into the
adulteress emotions. Here he creates a halo of the misfortune and ignominy that plagues her.
This becomes a hyperbole, portraying Hester as more of a victim of injustice rather than a sinner
suffering a public punishment. It also turns her society into a cruel, misunderstanding villain.
On the other hand, compared to the agonized radiance of Hester Prynne, Roger
Chillingworth emerges in a much more sinister and blackening light. With imagery, Hawthorne
describes this newcomer as small in stature, with a furrowed visagethere was a remarkable
intelligence in his featuresone of the mans shoulders rose higher than the other. Contrasting
with Hesters dark and abundant hair, Chillingworth, even with his deformity, moulds into the
rest of the crowd accusing her- twisted people with no mercy.
Yet another proof in favor of Chillingworths dark nature comes in the form of unique
symbolism. His companion, an Indian, in his native garb, becomes a red man and a white mansymbolic of the Scarlett Letter on white fabric fastened to Hesters bosom. Understanding the
torment the letter already causes only foreshadows the torment that the red man and white man
will inflict.
Finally, delving into a diminishing art, Hawthorne employs the omnipotent narrator
writing style to explore the conclusive and deciding differences between the characters and the
conflict to arise because of them. This tactic allows a reader a broad overview of each persons
thoughts, feelings, and appearances. By describing Hesters fear of Chillingworth, and Rogers
subtle hints to their past, Hawthorne truly establishes their roles as protagonist and antagonist.