Chapter 4
After Hester Prynne is returned to the jail, she is in a state of nervous excitement. Master Brackett, the jailer, brings a physician described as skilled in Christian science and Native herbal knowledge. The physician is introduced as Roger Chillingworth, who has been detained pending negotiations with Indian sagamores. Chillingworth enters the cell, observes Hester’s agitation, and immediately attends to the infant, whose convulsions are severe. He uncorks a leather case, mixes a draught from his alchemical preparations, and gives it to the child. When Hester refuses, he takes the infant in his arms and administers the medicine himself; the child’s pain subsides and it falls into a deep sleep.
Turning to Hester, Chillingworth feels her pulse, examines her eyes, and then offers her a second draught, describing it as a secret remedy learned from an Indian, comparable to Lethe or Nepenthe. Hester, fearful yet resolute, drinks the potion after a brief exchange about death and redemption.
Chillingworth then launches into a lengthy monologue, revealing his background as a scholarly man versed in alchemy and books, confessing his past folly and his obsession with knowledge. He admits to having been Hester’s husband, explains his lingering desire to uncover the identity of the child’s father, and declares his intent to seek that man as he would a hidden truth. He warns Hester that the secret of her husband must remain concealed, demanding an oath of silence. Hester agrees and swears to keep his secret as she has kept the father’s.
The physician concludes by reminding Hester of the scarlet letter, suggesting she live with her shame, and then leaves her alone with her infant and the letter, hinting at future threats and his unresolved plans for vengeance.