Identify and explain a rhetorical strategy used by hawthorne in order to build tension between Chillingworth and Prynne in chapter 4 of the scarlet letter.


His choice of words represent suspense between the two. I don't know

You should get some ideas in these websites below. Read lots and take good notes.

Read the modern-English text in the right hand column and the original in the left column.
http://www.sparknotes.com/nofear/lit/the-scarlet-letter/chapter-4/

Scroll down and check through the Sparknote to get some ideas:
http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/scarlet/section3.rhtml

Read about different rhetorical devices here:
http://www.virtualsalt.com/rhetoric.htm

i already did

I know he uses diction

Why dost thou smile so at me?” inquired Hester, troubled at the expression of his eyes. “Art thou like the Black Man that haunts the forest round about us? Hast thou enticed me into a bond that will prove the ruin of my soul?

The black man,haunts,and ruin soul is diction

And doesnt it create suspense

I didn't find diction in that list of rhetorical devices, but it's in this list of literary devices:

http://www.tnellen.com/cybereng/lit_terms/

If that's what you want to write about, write it up. If you explain your thoughts completely and use quotations from that chapter, you'll be fine.

In order to identify and explain a rhetorical strategy used by Hawthorne to build tension between Chillingworth and Prynne in Chapter 4 of The Scarlet Letter, it is important to closely analyze the text. One rhetorical strategy that Hawthorne utilizes to create tension between the two characters is the use of vivid and contrasting imagery.

To begin, Hawthorne carefully selects his words to highlight the differences between Chillingworth and Prynne. For example, when describing Chillingworth, Hawthorne uses words like "sombre", "dark", and "ominous", which evoke a feeling of mystery and unease. On the other hand, when describing Prynne, Hawthorne employs words such as "beauty", "blossom", and "radiant", which create a sense of purity and innocence.

These contrasting descriptions not only emphasize the physical differences between the characters but also reflect their conflicting personalities and motivations. Chillingworth is portrayed as a figure of darkness and malevolence, while Prynne is depicted as a symbol of light and resilience.

Furthermore, Hawthorne uses figurative language to heighten the tension between Chillingworth and Prynne. He employs metaphors and similes to further illustrate their contrasting natures. For instance, Hawthorne compares Chillingworth's eyes to "fiery red coals" and "glowing with a poisonous essence", suggesting his malicious intent. In contrast, Prynne's eyes are described as "dark and shining" and capable of "burning through all that seemed artificial". These comparisons between the characters' eyes symbolize their inner emotions and intentions, intensifying the reader's perception of their conflict.

Additionally, Hawthorne employs dialogue as a rhetorical strategy to build tension between Chillingworth and Prynne. The conversations between the two characters are often laden with suspicion and double meaning, creating an atmosphere of psychological unease. Through their dialogue, Hawthorne subtly reveals Chillingworth's growing obsession with unraveling Prynne's secret and Prynne's growing discomfort in his presence. These exchanges of words and unspoken tensions contribute to the rising tension between the characters.

To summarize, Hawthorne utilizes the rhetorical strategies of vivid and contrasting imagery, figurative language, and tension-filled dialogue to build suspense and tension between Chillingworth and Prynne in Chapter 4 of The Scarlet Letter. By carefully selecting his words and employing various literary techniques, Hawthorne effectively captures the conflicting personalities and motivations of the characters, heightening the reader's sense of anticipation and conflict.