Passage From the Text
" It is a curious subject of observation and inquiry, whether hatred and love be not the same thing at bottom. Each, in its utmost development, supposes a high degree of intimacy and heart-knowledge; each renders one individual dependent for the food of his affections and spiritual life upon another; each leaves the passionate lover, or the no less passionate hater, forlorn and desolate by the withdrawal of his object. Philosophically considered, therefore, the two passions seem essentially the same, except that one happens to be seen in a celestial radiance, and the other in a dusky and lurid glow. In the spiritual world, the old physician and the minister-- mutual victims as they have been -- may, unawares, have found their earthly stock of hatred and antipathy transmuted into golden love." (199)
Response to the Text
9) Something that I wondered about while reading this part of the final chapter was the theory of Chillingworth being gay. Specifically after discussing this theory in class I was looking for evidence to back up this claim, and chapter 24 really sums up the feelings that Chillingworth potentially had for Dimmesdale. The text restates the idea that Chillingworth was really living only for Dimmesdale, yet it also draws parallels between love and hate. The only purpose for this comparison would be to support the idea that Chillingworth is actually gay. The text also refers to them as mutual victims, which makes sense as the two die around relatively the same time. One could say that Chillingworth had nothing to live for because he could no longer torture Dimmesdale, yet it can also be said that Chillingworth died because his love did as well. 6) Parallels can be drawn between Chillingworth and Dimmesdale's relationship and abusive relationships today. It is a blend of love and hate, and the abuse of one party on another often doesn't end the relationship that the two have. Chillingworth has clearly abused Dimmesdale mentally in public, however their private life is a complete mystery to the reader. It is very possible that a mutual lust could have brought the two together, even when they did not necessarily always get along. The reference to celestial radiance and dusky glows also applies to Dimmesdale. To the Puritans he glows with celestial radiance, however to trained eyes he is much closer to the dusky lurid light. This means that his private life is much more dim and secretive than his public life, and could very easily include a relationship with Chillingworth.