What is suspicious about Dimmesdale’s position in his debate with Chillingsworth about sin? He is defending his own side without anyone realizing it. How do the black flowers initiate a discussion on hidden sins?
What made Dimmesdale suspicious of all mankind?
Dimmesdale suspects that everyone is an enemy and fails to see the true enemy (Chillingsworth) clearly because he is so paranoid.
What are Chillingworth’s growing suspicions as the the cause of Dimmesdale’s illness?
Chillingworth tells Dimmesdale that his sickness is a strange and deeply rooted one. He suspects that the illness is spiritual as well as physical. He asks Dimmesdale to bare his soul before him so that he can treat him fully.
Why is Dimmesdale not suspicious of Chillingworth?
Dimmesdale has not realized Chillingworth is Hester’s husband. On the inside, he is tormenting himself for the public sins which he condemns. This is making him appear sicker, and the people think he is getting closer to God. The more he asserts his guilt, the more holy he appears.
What is Dimmesdale’s explanation for why some people do not reveal their secret sins?
Arthur Dimmesdale did not confess his sins for all the wrong reasons. He didn’t confess for mostly two reasons those being: his belief that man did not judge other men but only God can do that or that he will better serve his people with a sinful heart and not a sinful appearance.
How does Dimmesdale’s rationale for the confessing a hidden sin?
How does Dimmsdale’s rationale for the confessing a hidden sin support he doctrine of salvation by works rather than salvation by faith? Dimmesdale feels that by not confessing his sins and by continuing to do his work, he will earn his salvation. If he confesses, he will not be able to be a preacher.
What do the townspeople think of Dimmesdale?
What do the townspeople think of Dimmesdale’s sermon? They think he is wise and holy.
Who is Pearl’s father scarlet letter?
The other principal character is the young Reverend Dimmesdale, who pleads with Hester to name the father of her infant daughter; Dimmesdale is Pearl’s father.
Why do some of the townspeople distrust Chillingworth?
Why do some of the townspeople distrust Chillingworth? They distrust him because an evil seems to be growing on his face and the townspeople are getting suspicious. Reflect on how the double meaning of the word “leech”, which is the title of this chapter, accurately describes Chillingworth.
What suspicions do the townspeople have in regards to Chillingworth?
A majority of the townspeople begin to suspect that Chillingworth is the Devil, come to wage battle for Dimmesdale’s soul.
How has Dimmesdale’s behavior increased Chillingworth’s suspicions?
Dimmesdale’s behavior has reinforced Chillingworth’s suspicions. The minister apologizes for his behavior, and the two are friends again. However, a few days later, Chillingworth sneaks up to Dimmesdale while he is asleep and pushes aside the shirt that Dimmesdale is wearing.
What does Dimmesdale’s Congregation think of him?
Reverend Dimmesdale’s congregation thinks of him as a saint, and that he walks on the path of God, and that he convenes with the angels and fights away the devil. This is ironic because his congregation doesn’t know about his deep dark secret, which is his sinful affair with Hester Prynne.
How do the townspeople react to Dimmesdale’s confession?
How do the townspeople react to Dimmesdale’s confession? Surprised; However, the story is different spectator to spectator. Some believed Chillingworth was responsible while others believed he had not committed the crime at all. Others also believed he lived a life of penance and therefore has made up for the crime.
What are the two views that the townspeople have of Chillingworth in this chapter?
What two opposing views do the townspeople hold about Roger Chillingworth? Some people thought he was God’s gift. Others thought he was a messagerfrom Saint& he was evil.
What was on Dimmesdale’s chest?
Apparently, those who witnessed the minister’s death cannot agree upon what exactly it was that they saw. Most say they saw on his chest a scarlet letter exactly like Hester’s. To their minds, it resulted from Chillingworth’s poisonous magic, from the minister’s self-torture, or from his inner remorse.
What was the result when Dimmesdale tells his congregation that he was the worst of sinners?
What is the result when the Reverend Dimmesdale tells his congregation that he is the worst of sinners? They say that he has become more holy.
What does Dimmesdale say may be the cause of people hiding secret sin and taking it with them to their grave What is Chillingworth’s response?
While he speaks, he grabs his chest as though he feels a sudden pain. Dimmesdale suggests that some men, however, keep their sins secret because if they confess, they will never again be able to do good for God. Chillingworth is just claiming that these men are fooling themselves, when Pearl laughs.
What does Dimmesdale do in penance for his sins?
What measures does Dimmesdale take in an attempt to penance for his sins? He tortures himself through whipping, fasting, and keeping vigils.
