While reading through the 4th chapter of "The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne I small surprise came up in the story. Just as Hester Prynne is put into prison, revealed to the city with a scarlet letter upon her chest, and growing into the "living sermon" of the town; Hester's husband comes back. Now going by the name of Mr. Chillingworth, Hester's husband manages to get to Hester without revealing his identity. I assume that Chillingworth will be quick to anger and attempt to scold Hester because of the crime she committed. Yet when they begin to speak the tone is completely different from my assumptions.
'"Wehave wronged each other," answered he. "Mine was the first wrong, when I betrayed thy budding youth into false and unnatural relation with my decay..."' To my surprise, Chillingworth actually admits that he had done wrong. He also admits that he did wrong first at that. Yes, I've begun to stereotype men a bit. But in this case, I feel somewhat happy for Hester. Not only did her husband explain his wrong-doing, he plans no revenge for her at all.
I'm excited that Hester was united with her husband again even though I'm sort of ashamed that she previously committed adultery. Mr. Chillingworth shows that he still cares for Hester because he wants to find out who this other man is and seek revenge. I think it's going to be very difficult to keep Chillingworth's identity hidden, but I'm excited to see what happens.
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