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In English / High School | 2014-05-14

Why is Chillingworth called a "leech" in "The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne?

Asked by lene

Answer (2)

1 cause thts what doctors were commonly called during that time and 2 symbolic, cause leeches help a patient but they can also harm the patient

Answered by the1apostolicgi | 2024-06-10

Chillingworth is called a "leech" in "The Scarlet Letter" because it reflects his role as a physician while simultaneously suggesting parasitic behavior as he feeds off Dimmesdale's suffering. This dual meaning highlights Chillingworth's manipulative and vengeful nature, emphasizing the themes of sin and punishment in the story. Hawthorne uses this term to illustrate Chillingworth's obsession with revenge and how it corrupts him.
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Answered by Anonymous | 2024-12-23

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