What do you think it means that Hester says that Chillingworth may be the black man?
As Hester suggests, he is like the “Black Man,” because he lures others into sin. By emphasizing Chillingworth’s scholarly training, the text puts a spin on the biblical equation of knowledge with evil: here it is knowledge without compassion or human experience that is the greatest evil.
What does Hester tell Pearl about the black man?
Pearl asks Hester to tell her about the Black Man. She has heard stories about him and questions Hester about her dealings with him and whether the scarlet letter is his mark. Under Pearl’s questioning, Hester confesses, “Once in my life I met the Black Man! . . . This scarlet letter is his mark!”
Who is the most evil character in The Scarlet Letter?
Both Hester and Dimmesdale receive great punishments for their sin of adultry. However, one character is portrayed as a true sinner, more so than the others. Roger Chillingworth is by far the worst sinner in The Scarlet Letter.
Why does Pearl call Chillingworth the black man?
This quote is about how Roger Chillingworth is trying to dig into Dimmesdales past because he thinks Dimmesdale has dark secrets. Pearl says that the old black man meaning Roger Chillingworth has already caught the minister meaning that he already knows Dimmesdale is up to something.
Who said let God punish thou shalt forgive?
“Thou shalt forgive me!” cried Hester, flinging herself on the fallen leaves beside him. “Let God punish! Thou shalt forgive!” “You will forgive me!” cried Hester, throwing herself in the fallen leaves beside him.
What is the significance of the black man scarlet letter?
Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter uses the Black Man character to explore moral themes. The Black Man figures as the image of the constant threat of sin perceived by the Puritans. Supposedly living in the forests surrounding the town, the Black Man suggests that the town is under siege.