Chillingworth vs. Dimmesdale

Johnson makes a compelling case for theme of impotence throughout the novel. The author posits that Chillingworth seeks out cures for his impotence throughout the story. Chillingworth mettled with the dark arts of the Native Americans and searched for herbs and roots looking to cure his lack of virility. However it was his opposite, Dimmesdale, who overpowered him in terms of manliness and potency. Dimmesdale was able to produce a child, whereas Chillingworth could not. I agree with Johnson that Dimmesdale is seen throughout the novel as weak and tortures himself to no end, however at the conclusion of the novel, Dimmesdale was able to redeem himself and confesses publicly his wrongdoing. Meanwhile, Chillingworth continued to hide in the shadows and dies without his revenge.