The Scarlet Letter Chapter 9

Roger Chillingworth is the subject of Chapter Nine, entitled "The Leech." He develops a serious friendship with the Reverend Dimmesdale, who is very weak, pale and sick-looking. Chillingworth begins to act as Dimmesdale's doctor, and eventually the congregation, at Chillingworth's suggestion, decides that the two must live together, so that Chillingworth can keep a close eye on Dimmesdale's health. They move into a widow's house, and each take half of the first floor for their apartment.

"Roger Chillingworth - the man of skill, the kind and friendly physician - strove to go deep into his patient's bosom, delving among his principles, prying into his recollections, and probing everything with a cautious touch, like a treasure-seeker in a dark cavern. Few secrets can escape an investigator, who has opportunity and license to undertake such a quest, and skill to follow it up. A man burdened with a secret should especially avoid the intimacy of his physician." Chapter 9, pg. 114.

Chillingworth senses a secret animal side to Dimmesdale and wishes to reveal it.

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