Question

read the excerpt relating to roger chillingworth from chapter 4 of the scarlet letter. \even if i imagine a scheme of vengeance, what could i do better for my object than to let thee live, - than to give thee medicines against all harm and peril of life, - so that this burning shame may still blaze upon they bosom?\ - as he spoke, he laid his long forefinger on the scarlet letter, which forthwith seemed to scorch into hesters breast, as if it had been red - hot. he noticed her involuntary gesture, and smiled. what does the excerpt reveal about roger chillingworth? he is committed to ending hesters suffering. he has no intention of truly alleviating hesters suffering. he is honorable, regardless of his own suffering. he has no intention of allowing hester to live a life of shame.

Explanation:

In the excerpt, Chillingworth says he could do nothing better for his "object" (vengeance) than let Hester live and give her medicine so her "burning shame" (the scarlet letter) remains. His action of touching the scarlet letter and smiling at her reaction shows he is not trying to ease her suffering. Instead, he wants her to continue to be tormented by the shame symbolized by the letter.

Answer:

He has no intention of truly alleviating Hester’s suffering.