Revenge in The Scarlet Letter Revenge is the act of reclaiming justice by forcing the opposing individual to endure the same punishment or overcome a much harsher consequence than the victim. People often seek revenge on others for the wrong reasons because they believe that another person's actions or sins have affected the victim in a negative way. The Scarlet Letter, written by Nathaniel Hawthorne, uses the implacable character, Mr. Roger Chillingworth, to describe the result of being resentful and ruthless towards his wife's secret lover, Reverend Dimmesdale. The Scarlet Letter also vividly describes how Chillingworth has become self-centered in revenge and how revenge changes his physical appearance. Throughout the novel, The Scarlet Letter provides evidence of a clear picture of a life consumed by revenge which results in an obsession to commit evil acts which leads to Chillingworth's self-destruction as he becomes completely taken over by thoughts and desires of revenge. In contrast, The Scarlet Letter also describes the outcome when one is overcome by guilt and then forgiven. Using the character Hester Prynne, Hawthorne shows how she earns the citizens' forgiveness and her place in their society. Instead of asking for forgiveness, Hester serves her punishment without complaint but with pride. Ultimately, the citizens allow Hester to join their society and give her the opportunity to gain the respect of the citizens. When forgiveness replaces revenge, the result is peace and compromise. Chillingworth is the character who most profoundly represents the definition of evil in the novel, but he was not the only one. Indeed, the whole town lacks... middle of paper... protection, where you could have escaped me, except on this very gallows!" (215). Chillingworth is openly confessing his motives and actions of vengeance against Dimmesdale and he is so caught up in his sin that there is no hope of Chillingworth forgiving Dimmesdale Revenge is a dangerous temptation in which people are often easily tricked into taking revenge on another individual this is that some people often think of taking justice into their own hands. when it is not their duty.This is how people can become trapped and obsessed with wanting to take revenge on someone else and how this can change a person's motivations to evil ones away from justice act in forgiveness rather than hatred and anger towards another. You show forgiveness to others, you will be shown forgiveness.