The Scarlet Letter

Seeing the pain within Dimmesdale gives Chillingworth a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment, fulling his evil fire. Evil has proven to be just as consuming as Dimmesdale's sin, if not more. The evil within Chillingworth has transformed him into the being from which all evil is rooted: the Devil himself. .
             Whereas Chillingworth allows his anger to consume him, Hester unconditionally cares for those who hate and reject her. Hester is persistent in her good deeds. Hester's goodness is expressed through her willingness, "to give her little substance to every demand of poverty; even though the bitter-hearted pauper threw back a gibe in requital of the food brought regularly to his door, or garments wrought for him by fingers that could have embroidered a monarch's robe " (147). In contrast to the revenge sought out by the evil Chillingworth, Hester forgives the cruelty of those she attempts to help, despite the pain they may cause. Hester gives up the little she has for those she feels need the food or clothing more. Hester's sincerity is shown through her ability to endure rejection if it means she has the opportunity to help another. In addition, even Dimmesdale, whose eternal bond with her grows strong through the life of their child, still denies her; nevertheless, Hester's loving wings serve as a place for Dimmesdale to find hope and encouragement. When Dimmesdale is ready to give up on a life he feels is far too sinful to be redeemed, Hester encourages him to have hope. Renewed and full of new found confidence, Dimmesdale says, "O Hester, thou are my better angels! I seem to have flung myself- sick, sin stained, and sorrow blackened-down upon these forest leaves, and to have risen up all .
             Vevoda 3.
             made anew" (185). The obstacles life has thrown in Hesters path has made her strong, and Dimmesdale, a very weak man, finds strength in her. Hester acts as a guardian angel for Dimmesdale's soul, working to keep him hopeful.