"So Roger Chillingworth--the man of skill, the kind and friendly physician--strove to go deep into his patient's bosom, delving among his principles, prying into his recollections, and probing every thing with a cautious touch, Like a treasure-seeker in a dark cavern." ((Chapter 9/PAGE 109))
Connected with the previous post, but occuring earlier in the book, is this excerpt once again suggesting that Chillingworth is to go into the deepest, darkest part of Dimmesdale's soul/heart. The highlighted section is the more important because the Chapter 10 correlates directly with this image. Chillingworth will spend a long time mining in the darkness of the inner Dimmesdale to find that dreadful secret he so anxiously desires. The implications on the rest of the words in this passage; such as 'delving', 'prying', and 'probing' all suggest that there could be something deeper to Dimmesdale than we, the readers, could imagine. Or perhaps it reflects the sadistic nature of Chillingworth for believing that Arthur has such a deep, sinful life that no one is aware of, and he hopes to expose him for what he is. This would also mesh ironically with the first sentence stating that Chillingworth is a 'kind and friendly physician' despite him going through so much trouble just to inflict suffering upon two people.
Arthur's other secrets could be real however, and not just something that Chillingworth imagines. Arthur is very keen in keeping his secrets and private life out of the book and in his mind. Therefore, he is likely punishing himself severely not just for one sin, but to make up for many in the past.
Airk - great use of looking at word choice (or diction) to analyze meaning. Well done!
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