Group+8


 * __Chapter 9-"The Leech" Prompt__**

Thesis: In chapter 9, of //The Scarlett Letter//, author Nathaniel Hawthorne diction, setting, allusion, metaphor, and irony to set a dark, gloomy, and deathly tone. Through the use of tone, Hawthorne reveals the evil qualities of Chillingworth’s character, and Dimmesdale’s nature.

Setting: surroundings; environment.

 “Unknown to all but Hester Prynne, and possessing the lock and key of her silence, he chose to withdraw his name from the roll of mankind, and, as regarded his form ties and interests, to vanish out of life as completely as if he indeed lay at the bottom of the ocean, whither rumor had long ago consigned him.”(Page 98) • Although this quote does not describe the physical aspects of the environment or surroundings, it establishes the emotional, controversial, and mental aspects, which are all vital to characterization, as it helps the reader to gain an insight into the characters disposition resulting from previous occurrences. • In some ways one can infer that Chillingworth would rather have been dead, or at least had accepted his own death while still in existence because he was no longer the person. • The complexity of the pre-existing situation creates the entire platform for this chapter, as personalities are a direct relation to previous occurrences on a mental and emotional level.

Allusion: an indirect reference.

 “It was as if a window were thrown open, admitting a freer atmosphere into the close and stifled study, where his life was wasting itself away, amid lamp-light, or obstructed day-beams, and the musty fragrance, be it sensual or moral, that exhales from books.” (Page 102) • This excerpt alludes to the presence of Chillingworth, and descibes the tension Dimmesdale feels in Chillingworth’s presence. • This quote also creates a visual, literal setting for the reader to absorb. • By creating this complex atmosphere through allusion Hawthorne achieves his goal completely, as character complexity is established, and an obvious contrast in characters is made.

Metaphor: to say that something is something else.

 “For the sake of the minister’s health, and to enable the leech to gather plants with healing balm in them, they took long walks on the sea-shore, or in the forest; mingling various talk with the plash and murmur of the waves, and the solemn wind-anthem among the tree-tops.” (Page 102) • In this quote Hawthorne uses a metaphor to show Chillingworth’s character. • Although doctors were commonly referred to as leeches, at this time (due to practices), this has more depth due to its context. • The excerpt is almost an irony because a leech is often perceived as an evil “blood hungry” creature that sucks the life out of people, yet the people in the town somehow trust the leech to care for their minister and give the minister untested natural remedies. [“In answer to this query, a rumor gained ground- and, however absurd, was entertained by some very sensible people,- that Heaven had wrought an absolute miracle, by transporting an eminent Doctor of Physic, from a German university, bodily through the air, and setting him down at the door of Mr. Dimmesdale’s study!”(Page 100)]