Whose sin is blacker- Chillingworth's or Dimmesdale's? Why? (The Scarlet Letter)

This is an opinion question. What do you think?

Chillingworth, because he practically devoted his whole life to evil

In Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel "The Scarlet Letter," the question of whose sin is blacker—Chillingworth's or Dimmesdale's—is subjective and open to interpretation based on individual perspectives. However, I can outline the factors that contribute to each character's sin, which may help you form your own analysis.

Roger Chillingworth, the vengeful husband of Hester Prynne, commits sins of manipulation and obsession. When he discovers that Hester has committed adultery and her partner remains unknown, Chillingworth dedicates himself to uncovering the identity of the other person involved. He disguises himself as a physician and becomes close to Arthur Dimmesdale, the town's revered minister who is secretly Hester's partner. Chillingworth's actions are driven by a desire for revenge, seeking to inflict psychological and emotional torment on Dimmesdale.

Dimmesdale, on the other hand, commits the sin of hypocrisy. While he privately bears the burden of guilt for his secret actions, he continues to portray himself as a moral and devout minister to the community. Dimmesdale's inner turmoil deepens as he struggles with his conscience, leading to physical and mental deterioration. He allows Hester to bear the public shame alone, even as rumors circulate about his involvement in her sin.

Determining whose sin is blacker is a matter of personal judgment. Chillingworth's calculated and malicious actions make him a clear antagonist in the novel. Yet, Dimmesdale's failure to confess his wrongdoing and his hypocrisy can also be viewed as egregious sins. Some argue that Dimmesdale's guilt and self-punishment make his sin more profound, while others may believe that Chillingworth's deliberate and calculated malevolence makes his sin darker.

To form your own opinion, I recommend reading "The Scarlet Letter" closely, examining the characters' motivations, actions, and consequences. Consider the nuances of their sins and their impact on themselves and those around them. It is in exploring the novel's themes and contrasting the characters' behaviors that you can develop a deeper understanding of whose sin you deem to be blacker.