What does leech mean in scarlet letter?

The word "leech" is used in Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel The Scarlet Letter to describe several different characters and concepts. Here are a few examples:

- Roger Chillingworth: Dr. Chillingworth is described as a "leech" in the sense that he feeds off of the emotional and psychological pain of others, particularly Dimmesdale and Hester Prynne. He becomes obsessed with revenge against Dimmesdale, who wronged him by fathering Hester's daughter, Pearl. Chillingworth manipulates Dimmesdale, using his skills as a physician to slowly destroy his health and spirit.

- Governor Bellingham: Governor Bellingham is considered a "leech" because he represents the hypocritical and oppressive society of Puritan New England. He pretends to be devout and righteous, but he is actually full of pride and self-interest. He persecutes Hester Prynne and Dimmesdale, disregarding their humanity and showing no mercy or compassion.

- The community of Puritan New England: The community of Puritan New England is seen as a collective "leech" in some ways because it feeds on the sins and weaknesses of its members. The Puritans are quick to pass judgment and punish those who fall short of their expectations, but they are often unwilling to acknowledge their own flaws. This results in a society that is filled with hypocrisy and resentment.

Overall, the use of the term "leech" in The Scarlet Letter emphasizes the themes of parasitism, exploitation, and moral corruption within the Puritan society of the novel.