An initial response after reading the first half of The Scarlet Letter written by

An initial response after reading the first half of the book. What feelings has the book generated so far? What has created those feelings? Has your attitude changed since the first two chapters? If so, how? What has caused the change? What does Hawthorne expect of you as a reader? Has he tried to manipulate you in any way? If so, what way? What connections are you able to draw between this book and your …

…minister, breaking Chillingworth's heart. Hawthorne, however, attempts to turn the tables by defaming Chillingworth. Every time Chillingworth is described within the context of the book, he becomes uglier and uglier, his deformity worse each time. The vilification of Chillingworth is strange, however, since it was Hester and Dimmesdale who originally wronged Chillingworth. Yet we see the way Chillingworth tortured poor Dimmesdale, and I cannot help but feel a distrust and strong dislike of Chillingworth's character.