An Eye for an Eye, a Tooth for a Tooth, by Adwoa

In the Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne employs several themes in his writings, but the major one that runs throughout this novel is mainly sin. One form of sin portrayed in this novel is vengeance. Hawthorne describes Chillingworth as a man filled with vengeance. His vengeful nature is depicted in the search of the father of his wife’s daughter, Pearl.
Chillingworth, had several options after finding out his wife’s betrayal, but instead he decided to revenge by converting himself into a devil. Hawthorne says, “Ever and anon, too, there came a glare of red light out of his eyes, as if the old man's soul were on fire and kept on smouldering duskily within his breast, until by some casual puff of passion it was blown into a momentary flame” (1443). Chillingworth’s vengeance is seen in our society today. Many couples filing for divorce may demand more from their spouses as a form of revenge. Some partners do that just to render the other one bankrupt to satisfy their revengeful desire.
The next action that Chillingworth does is to seek for more information about the reason why Hester had become a ridicule of shame. In his attempt to revenge Chillingworth makes a statement that, “it irks me, nevertheless, that the partner of her iniquity should not at least, stand on the scaffold by her side. But he will be known — he will be known! — he will be known!"(1386). In today’s society, this trait can be seen in gang members. In an attempt to revenge, they do all it takes to find information on their adversaries, and this may finally result in death or serious injuries.
Finally, Chillingworth’s revenge is noticed by Hester; therefore, she panics when Chillingworth offers her medicine when in prison. Chillingworth tells her that the better revenge will be to keep her alive wearing the scarlet letter (1391).
In conclusion, Chillingworth’s assumes a new identity as a way to seek revenge, therefore in order to torture Dimmendale gets closer to him as a physician to cure him of his ailment. In our society today, we hear of several instances of people committing adultery leading to the anguish of the other party. One may easily side with Chillingworth, but the Puritans saw him as a bad nut; because they believe in the good words of the bible that says, “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD” (Leviticus 19:18).

Works Cited
Hawthorne, Nathaniel. “The Scarlet Letter.” Norton Anthology of American Literature. Vol. B. Ed. Nina Baym. 7th ed. New York: Norton, 2007. 1352-1493.