Crazy Old Man

"After a brief pause, the physician turned away... ecstasy from Satan's was the trait of wonder in it."(Pg. 121)

I chose this scene because it truly shows the insanity of Chillingworth. After such a long time of attempting to uncover Hester's secret he has finally succeeded. His physical appearance shows how his psyche has transformed his body through the pure evil from his want for revenge. We have seen the affect of this secret on his physical appearance, but this is the first time we have seen an outburst from Chillingworth. He has succumbed himself to this secret, and it has driven him to madness. Earlier in the book Pearl refers to Chillingworth as the "Black Man" (the devil), she seems to have an instinct for who is good and who is bad. Even this child can tell that Chillingworth is evil. Chillingworth has completely given himself to this secret. His entire meaning in life is to reveal who Hester's lover is, and this is the first time he has found actual evidence. His reaction to this proves how he has succumbed himself to this secret.