Question

What effect does Dimmesdale's confession have on Chillingworth, as explained in the conclusion of The Scarlet Letter?

Answer 1

Dimmesdale's confession basically kills Chillingworth. He has nothing left to live for. With Chillingworth's control over Dimmesdale over, he withers away and dies.

Answer 2

Well, Chillingworth dies at the end of the novel, which means that you can rule out B and D. A is also incorrect because Chillingworth hated Dimmesdale and wanted him dead, which did finally occur. This leaves us with C as the correct answer because Dimmesdale's confession of adultery caused him to die as well.