My response supposes that you have finished the novel, but
you could consider the topics that are relevant to whatever portion of the novel you are
familiar with to this point.
Roger Chillingsworth is the
husband of Hester Prynn, but not the father of the child, Pearl. Chillingsworth sent
Hester to live in Boston ahead of his arrival and when he arrives, he discovers what
Hester has done to betray their marriage vows. As his name implies he is "chilly" or
cold-hearted when it comes to his treatment of Hester and of Dimmesdale once he
discovers that he is the father of Pearl. He is a very knowledgeable man, but he is
unemotional and unforgiving. He is determined to seek revenge on Dimmesdale. He is very
upset that Dimmesdale actually confesses of own volition because Chillingsworth is
cheated of making the public aware of Dimmesdale's sin, thus publicly destroying the
once holy man.
A journal entry for Chillingsworth would
have to address the anger and shame that Hester's actions have brought upon him. He
never comes forward to acknowledge their relationship and he never attempts to
understand what happened from Hester's point of view. Chillingsworth's journal would
also show his extreme hatred for the unknown man who is the father of Pearl. Even once
he knows, his heart is not softened. In fact, he comes to eventually live with
Dimmesdale in the position of a healer, but his ultimate plan to drive the guilt
further. He is hoping to create a breakdown in Dimmesdale. He only succeeds in driving
him to his public confession, which is a bit of let-down for Chillingsworth. This is
something that would be explored in his journal. How does he feel once Dimmesdale is
dead? Why does he too fall ill? Why does he leave his wealth to Pearl? What motivates
him through the entire story?
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