The Scarlet Letter
How is the theme of redemption Fulfiled by Hester Dimmesdale and Chillingworth?
The scarlet letter
The scarlet letter
I suppose Hester is redeemed through her pious good works and patience. Dimmesdale finally publicly comes clean about his infidelity. Hester and Pearl even plan to run away with him back to England. Dimmesdale's cathartic public confession certainly provides him with redemption. Although he dies, Dimmesdale is able to lift the guilt that had been eating at his soul. I don't think Chillingworth gets redeemed. He not only poisons Dimmesdale, he poisons his own soul with his hate and retribution. Chillingworth quickly turns into a twisted old man who drowns in his own negativity.