The Scarlet letter

by Nathaniel Hawthorne

*Writing (Activity page 96, Chapter Seven)

Both men were learned and intelligent. They used to take long and pleasant walks along the forest. They also were glad to exchange their ideas on different and interestngs topics. The reverend considered that it was a breath of fresh air for the reverend.

Before his terrible suspucions, Roger Chillingworth was a learned physician. The townspeople considered themselves fortunate to have such an intelligent doctor. He had gained relevant knowledge of the medicinal properties of native herbs and roots. He became the reverend's medical adviser. He behaved as a kind physician. The friends of Reverend Dimmesdale arranged that Mrs. Chillingworth should share the same house. What is more, he had a calm and scholarly expression. The physician got to know his patient very well. Finally, he was an upright man althought he had never been a warm person.

After his terrible suspicions, he became in an ugly and also evil leech. There was sonething extrange in his face that became more evident as the days passed. A blue, ghastly light sometimes burned in his eyes. Chillingworth felt that Reverend Dimmesdale possesed a secret that he was carefully guarding. So he all time had a suspucious expression and he always was wary about what did 

the Reverend. He had begun his investigation with the fair integrity of a judge, but he became emotionally involved, so he behaved as a deceiver and enemy in disguise. He continually dug into the poor clergyman's heart.

Throughout the story, Reverend Dimmesdale was a learned and intelligent man. He shared many time talking about different kind of topics with his physician and close friend. He was an eloquent speaker, he was greatly admired by the townspeople. His health began to fail, he had become very thin and his cheeks were extremely pale. The townspeople had been very worried about that but then they were relieved because they felt that the reverend would be in good hands with Mrs. Chillingworth. Reverend Dimmesdale had a religious and meditative expression, he enjoyed long walk journeys with his leech. He was a passionate individual but there was something ugly that had haunted him. The Reverend was extremely sensitive, and became aware that something hostile had entered his life. He was suspicious of all mankind. He also trusted no one as his friend. He was troubled, he had terrible pain in his heart.

*Themes for thought, discussion and writing (Activities page 144, Chapter Eleven)

¤ Hester's psychological changes: she was hopeful; she was happy; she felt a free woman; her heart was light.

¤ Hestr's physical changes: her youth and beauty; her sex; her smile.

¤ Reverend Dimmesdale's psychological changes: he felt mischievous; he had a sense of exhilaration and relief; he began to feel enjoyment; he had a strange desire to be scornful and bitter; he was tempted to do something wicked; he felt spiteful and unkind.

¤ Reverend Dimmesdale's physical changes: he ate with a good appetite; he was energetic; he showed energy during the procession; he felt strong.

* I have experienced the power of the mind over my body. It was two years ago when I used to be so sad and nothing seem to be good. I was very depressed, but a miracle happened to me, a beautiful picture arrived at home. It was Fatima's Virgin, since then I started to be positive and do all my activities with courage. I am happy now!!