Scarlet Letter, Power shift
... some control over her. His power is minimal at this time but soon grows. Chillingworth also manages to get Hester to agree to keep his real identity a secret, again showing the power he possesses. Dimmesdale has no idea of Chillingworth’s true identity, and is totally unaware of what is going on. He does not suspect Chillingworth, which is his mistake, and Chillingworth later uses this to his advantage as he learns more about Dimmesdale. He uses his power and knowledge to manipulate Dimmesdale and mess with his head. Chillingworth’s absolute power does not last, and he soon begins his descend to the bottom of the pyramid. Hester holds the most power in the middle of the novel. She has almost complete control over Chillingworth and Dimmesdale, as she keeps secrets for both of them. Hester holds knowledge for the two, which would be harmful to them if anyone else found out. Hester uses this to her advantage at least one in the novel. In the forest, Hester tells Chillingworth, “I must reveal the secret…He must discern thee in thy true character,” (119). Here, Hester is using her knowledge as means to get what she wants, and ease Dimmesdale’s pain. However, Chillingworth also has a great influence over Dimmesdale, as he begins to control his mind, causing Dimmesdale turmoil. Chillingworth suspects that Dimmesdale is Pearl’s father, and uses this inferred knowledge to seek his revenge. He does this in a manner, which will just keep Dimmesdale alive to, that he may torture him for his own cruel satisfaction. Dimmesdale still does not know what is happening, and is therefore powerless, due to his lack of information, allowing others to control him. At this point, Dimmesdale’s ignorance shows, and his inability to keep control does as well. Once Dimmesdale gains more knowledge, he will begin to climb up the pyramid as he gains power. At the end of the novel, Dimmesdale and Hester are equal. At the festival, when Dimmesdale calls to Hester and Pearl, fear strikes Chillingworth. “At this instant old Roger Chillingworth thrust himself through the crowd…to snatch back his victim from what he sought to do,” (172). But Chillingworth is too late, and his power slips away, bringing him to the bottom of the pyramid. Dimmesdale reveals his secret, making Chillingworth’s private knowledge public. This gives Dimmesdale power, and takes power from Chillingworth at the same time. Because of this, Chillingworth can no longer control and torment him, as the mental agony Dimmesdale suffered is now gone. Dimmesdale knows that Chillingworth is not really a doctor, and that he is Hester’s husband. Because of this new knowledge, the tables have turned and he can now blackmail Chillingworth and control him too. Hester n...