the title of Chapter 9, "the leech" is a term used in the past to mean "doctor." discuss Hawthorne's symbolic use of the term in this chapter.

The leech, Roger Chillingworth does indeed function
figuratively as described above. In another sense, Roger will not let go of this
situation just like a leech gets stuck to host through the power of suction. He is bound
and determined to get the two sinners to confess the name of the father of the
child.

Chillingworth, having this great pursuit, takes
residence in the town. Hawthorne points out that this is of great significance because
of Chillingworth's abilities. Doctors of his capability often settled a lot closer to
Boston wherein there would be a great body of people to serve as well as schools of
medicine to take up instruction.

Likewise, Chillingworth is
well on in years.

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This learned stranger was exemplary, as
regarded, at least, the outward forms of a religious life, and, early after his arrival,
had chosen for his spiritual guide the Reverend Mr.
Dimmsdale.

People understood
him to be an experienced and intellectual man. He was an admired practitioner of faith.
Yet among these great qualities, he chose a timid and young spiritual mentor. This is
odd. He attached himself to this young man and must have a reason for
it.

About this
period, however, the health of Mr. Dimmsdale had evidently begun to
fail.

Conveniently, the young
reverend had very recently made the acquaintance of a leech. The ill in him is doing him
more harm than good, just like the effort of leeches in those days to indeed suck out
the 'bad blood.'