Obsession and Philanthropy

Hollingsworth's single-minded devotion to reforming criminals is portrayed as a destructive 'overruling purpose' that dehumanizes him, ultimately ruining his heart and leading to tragedy, illustrating the peril of allowing one idea to consume the self.

Hollingsworth's single-minded devotion to his criminal reform scheme is portrayed as a consuming, dehumanizing obsession that overrides genuine human connection.

Hollingsworth's powerful influence over Zenobia and Priscilla, and Coverdale's suspicion that Hollingsworth is making proselytes, hints at an obsessive philanthropic mission.

Hollingsworth's all-consuming philanthropic purpose is portrayed as dehumanizing, turning him into a mere instrument of his own ideology.

Westervelt's mocking description of Hollingsworth's philanthropic scheme highlights the obsessive nature of reformist zeal and its potential for manipulation.