Final answer:
Chillingworth's reaction to Dimmesdale approaching the scaffold in The Scarlet Letter is one of shock and disbelief, showcasing his obsession and desire for revenge.
Step-by-step explanation:
Since the student's question refers to an event from Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel The Scarlet Letter, we can infer that Chillingworth, who is a character in the novel, would likely react with a mixture of anger, astonishment, and spite upon seeing Dimmesdale, another central character, taking such a significant step towards public confession. Such action would threaten Chillingworth's manipulative hold over the minister by potentially bringing Dimmesdale's hidden guilt to light.
Chillingworth's reaction when Dimmesdale approaches the scaffold in The Scarlet Letter is one of shock and surprise. Chillingworth has been tormenting Dimmesdale throughout the novel, trying to uncover his secret sin. When Dimmesdale appears on the scaffold, Chillingworth is taken aback and can't believe what he is seeing. This moment reveals Chillingworth's obsession and desire for revenge, as well as his disbelief that Dimmesdale would publicly acknowledge his guilt.