The World of Nathaniel Hawthorne: Who is right in the debate between Dimmesdale and Roger Chillingworth?

The Scarlet Letter (and other stories)

Homework Questions on Chapter Ten ("The Leech and His Patient")

1. Why does the narrator refer to Chillingworth as a leech? What does he do that is similar to a leech?

2. What simile does the narrator use to describe Chillingworth's attempts to learn what is in Dimmesdale's heart?

3. In what respect is it true that all Chillingworth seeks (looks for) is death and decay (rotting)?

4. Why do you think Dimmesdale is becoming paranoid (unnaturally suspicious of people)?

5. Where did Chillingworth obtain the dark flabby leaf he had in his laboratory?

6. Why is that symbolic?

7. According to Dimmesdale, when and to whom should a man reveal the secrets of his heart?

8. How does Chillingworth rebut (answer) his argument?

9. Chillingworth notes that there are men who confess their wrongdoing during their lifetimes. According to Dimmesdale, why do others choose not to?

10. How does Pearl react when she sees Rev. Dimmesdale looking out the window?

Homework Questions on Chapters Eleven and Twelve (to page 231)

1. What does Chillingworth see when he pushes aside Rev. Dimmensdale's robe?
2. How does the narrator describe Chillingworth after he makes this discovery? What power does he hold over Dimmesdale?
3. How do the townspeople feel about Dimmesdale?
4. What paradoxical effect does their admiration have on him?
5.Are Dimmesdale's expressions of self-condemnation successful? Why/Why not?
6. Where does Dimmesdale go to relieve his suffering?
7. How do you explain his actions? Can he really expect to feel better?
8. Why does the narrator call his behavior a "masquerade"?

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Who is right in the debate between Dimmesdale and Roger Chillingworth?

In Chapter Four, Roger Chillingworth and Arthur Dimmesdale have a debate about whether it is appropriate or desirable to reveal the truth about your actions. Dimmesdale says that it is ok to wait until Judgement Day and that some men would not be able to do good if people know the truth about them.

Chillingworth argues that telling the truth will make you feel better and that, if you don't tell the truth you are lying to yourself and to others.

How do you feel about this debate? Whose side are you on and why?

8 comments:

Anonymous said...: Ericher Velez

I think Roger Chillingworth is right in the debate because if you do something bad is better to tell now the secret when you are alive than wait to tell when you deat.; October 23, 2008 at 3:31 PM
Unknown said...: I think Roger Chillingworth is right in what he says about saying the truth will make you feel better,but
under the circumstances that Reverend Dimensdale were it was not easy for him, because he was a priest, he was not suppose to be comitting sin,
but we can see how Reverend Dimensdale try to evade Roger Chillingworth with hes wise answer.

Joel Villar pd #2; October 23, 2008 at 4:51 PM
marcel said...: I believe that dimmesdale is right in the dedate, because sometimes secrets not only would hurt you also others people feelins. In Addition if you tell the secret you cant do nothing about it if the person dont want to sorry you to repay the bad thing you have done to them.; October 23, 2008 at 4:53 PM
Unknown said...: Chilling worth argues that telling the truth will make you feel better .This correct in what to saying the true or a secret .you are quotient calm saying true .maybe him(her) to give the Pease or the resolution of a problem.; October 23, 2008 at 7:08 PM
Rafael said...: Rafael Peña Period #2

I think that dimmesdale is right because is batter to be quiet at the time that you want, because it could makes you strong and then you could say everything that you want !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!; October 23, 2008 at 8:56 PM
yelitza said...: i think that Roger Chillingworth is right about the tell the truth because it will be Reverend Dismensdale's life more esay and happy in earth.; October 24, 2008 at 12:23 PM
yelitza said...: I think that Chillingworth is right about telling the truth to the people of boston because Dimensdale will fell better telling the truth and will make his life more easy and peaceful.; October 24, 2008 at 2:12 PM
Anonymous said...: Arismendi Salvador

I think that the Reverend is in the fact that with the secrets
guilt can prick the conscience; October 30, 2008 at 3:48 PM