Final answer:
Chillingworth's pursuit of vengeance against Hester's partner in adultery despite recognizing his own wrong reveals his complex character, driven by a mix of guilt and a need for control.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the chapter under discussion, Chillingworth admits to having wronged Hester in marrying her despite knowing she did not love him. Yet, despite this acknowledgment, Chillingworth resolves to seek vengeance on the man who was Hester's partner in adultery. Chillingworth's insistence on vengeance even after admitting to wronging Hester himself reveals a deep-seated pettiness and obsession within his character. It shows that his desire for revenge is not necessarily rooted in the morality of the situation but rather in his own need to exert control and power. This vengeance can be perceived as a manifestation of his own feelings of inadequacy and inability to accept his role in Hester's unhappiness, illustrating a complex blend of guilt and vengefulness that drives his actions throughout the narrative.