In all forms of literature, the author often provides situations and characters, each of which may contain strong symbolic meaning. Symbolism allows a character to be expressed as almost anything. Through the symbolism of a single character it is possible to tell any type of character trait, story or lifestyle. Furthermore, a character can represent a strong and demanding feeling. One such feeling is that of revenge, a controlling obsession possessed by a character. It is a problem that can lead to feelings or acts of sin and evil. A character's actions, feelings, thoughts, and appearance can symbolize that chain of evil and sin, including the root of all evil. In The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, symbolism is used throughout the novel to describe Roger Chillingworth's character's acts of vengeance, representing sin and evil, including the devil, leading to the decomposition of his character. Towards the beginning of the novel, as Roger Chillingworth first appears as a character, his symbolic relationship with the devil and sin is evident for the first time. Roger Chillingworth first appears as a stranger in the new colony. After being held captive by Indians after being shipwrecked a year earlier, he learns of Hester's sin. Shortly thereafter, the symbolic relationship between Chillingworth and the devil is shown for the first time in chapter 4, where he disguises himself as a doctor and provides himself with a new identity as Roger Chillingworth. "... said old Roger Chillingworth, as he was hereafter called." Page 81 "The Stranger entered the room with the quietness characteristic of the profession to which he declared himself to belong." Page 76. After changing his name to Roger Chillingworth, and labeling himself a great doctor,......half of the document......one can feel some empathy with Chillingworth. Many may involve having a spouse or friend who has hurt the other by lying, cheating, and/or doing evil or sin. Every day you may hear of a person who has committed adultery, destroyed a family, or caused pain to others. A reader will understand the need for revenge when something like this happens, and will at first side with Chillingworth. However, as the book progresses, his evil side is shown through his actions, thoughts, looks, and feelings. Chillingworth appears as a character, introduced into a society "destined for perfection", as the sinful tempter of the colony. One, whose vengeful tactics led to the deaths of two men and whose sinister plan changed aspects of a society. Although he was originally the only character without problems or sins, he became the one who committed the worst sins of all.