The Scarlet Letter Literary Analysis

A detailed Summary of The Scarlet Letter Literary Analysis

The Black Man of the Forest: A Literary Analysis Essay Of The Scarlet Letter

In almost every story there are forces of good and evil that are in conflict. The most dangerous of these evils are those that are not obvious. In Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, the Black Man of the forest is none other than Roger Chillingworth. Some may read the novel and assume that Dimmesdale is the Black Man. It may be viewed that Dimmesdale's affair with Hester is the cause for the scarlet letter, but this is untrue. To assume that there was no mutual relationship between Dimmesdale and Hester is a large mistake, as both had affection for each other. Another mistake is to assume Hester is the only one who has a mark placed apon her, as Dimmesdale also received a mark. Dimmesdale's mark is not visible to the world, but burns deep within his chest. Both Hester and Dimmesdale's marks burn as a daily reminder of sin and unholiness.

It is only fitting that Roger Chillingworth, a learned scholar and a makeshift physician be the Black Man of the forest, and represent an evil force in the novel. Hawthorne uses Chillingworth as a symbol of science, which is a common theme in many of his works. Hawthorne's dislike of men of science is also evident in man

Pearl then remarks, "And so it is! And, mother, he has his hand over his heart! It is because the minister wrote his name in the book, the Black Man set his mark in that place? But why does he not wear it outside his busom, as dost thou mother?" Both Dimmesdale and Hester, by signing the Chillingworth's book, have come to suffer at the Black Man's hands.

Hester and Dimmesdale have both signed the Black Man's book, each in their own way. When Roger goes to interview Hester in jail, she refuses to tell him who her fellow adulterer is. Chillingworth says he partly blames himself, for leaving her unbeknownst of his whereabouts for several years, but that he will seek vengeance on her partner. He vows not to reveal the sinner to the public, or to mame the sinner, but to torment him for the rest of his life. Hester responds, "Thy acts are like those of mercy, but thy words interpret thee as a terror." (p.69) When Hester still refuses to give the name of her lover, Roger makes her swear that she will reveal to no one his real identit as her husband. Hester then says, "Art thou like the Black Man that haunts the forest round about us? Has thou enticed me into a bond that will prove the ruin of my soul?" Later in the novel Pearl states that she overheard an old chimney maid, none other than the infamous Mistress Hibbins, tells a story about the Black Man. She states that once someone signs the black man's book, he places his mark on them. Hester replies, "Once in my life I have met the Black Man! The scarlet letter is his mark!" With her own words Hester suggests that Chillingworth is the Black Man.

book. He branded both Hester and Dimmesdale with his mark after they signed in his book, and forced them to carry about the mark of sin forever.

Dimmesdale also has signed Chillingworth's book in a manner of speaking. He is led to confide in his t

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1250
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Novels