Chapter 11:
43. How and why does Chillingworth change his purpose in light of his discovery?
- Once Chillingworth discovers the secret mark on the chest of Dimmesdale, he believe he now has proof that confirms his suspicions that Dimmesdale is the guilty party. With his discovery now Chillingworth can pursue and torture the minister knowing that he really is the adultery.
44. How does Dimmesdale's suffering affect his work as a clergyman? What is the public reflection when Dimmesdale "confesses" his sinfulness from the pulpit? Describe and analyze the narrator's tone toward Dimmesdale as he describes this confession.
- Dimmesdale's sermons became more powerful and intense as his suffering increased. He was tortured and was seeking a resolution. The community however believed that their Minister was a very religious and holy man without sin. They believed he was their example to follow. The narrators tone is one of sadness and pain. The torment that the Minister is feeling can be heard in his words, yet no one is aware of his sin.
45. Through what practices does Dimmesdale seek penance for his sins? What is the narrator's tone toward Dimmesdale as he relates these practices?
- In order to seek some penance for his sins Dimmesdale begins to examine his conscience. With all the torment this brings he continues looking for a way to repent, he begins to physically torture himself with whipping. Finding little relief from his sins he also begins fasting and staying awake all night holding vigils to examine his soul and meditate on his sins. you can feel the increasing desperation of the ministers mind. The urgency that he continues to try and find a solution to the torment that he cannot remove. Dimmesdale is becoming so irrational that he now believes that if he prays at the spot where Hester was held on the scaffolding he might get some relief for his sin.
- Once Chillingworth discovers the secret mark on the chest of Dimmesdale, he believe he now has proof that confirms his suspicions that Dimmesdale is the guilty party. With his discovery now Chillingworth can pursue and torture the minister knowing that he really is the adultery.
44. How does Dimmesdale's suffering affect his work as a clergyman? What is the public reflection when Dimmesdale "confesses" his sinfulness from the pulpit? Describe and analyze the narrator's tone toward Dimmesdale as he describes this confession.
- Dimmesdale's sermons became more powerful and intense as his suffering increased. He was tortured and was seeking a resolution. The community however believed that their Minister was a very religious and holy man without sin. They believed he was their example to follow. The narrators tone is one of sadness and pain. The torment that the Minister is feeling can be heard in his words, yet no one is aware of his sin.
45. Through what practices does Dimmesdale seek penance for his sins? What is the narrator's tone toward Dimmesdale as he relates these practices?
- In order to seek some penance for his sins Dimmesdale begins to examine his conscience. With all the torment this brings he continues looking for a way to repent, he begins to physically torture himself with whipping. Finding little relief from his sins he also begins fasting and staying awake all night holding vigils to examine his soul and meditate on his sins. you can feel the increasing desperation of the ministers mind. The urgency that he continues to try and find a solution to the torment that he cannot remove. Dimmesdale is becoming so irrational that he now believes that if he prays at the spot where Hester was held on the scaffolding he might get some relief for his sin.