Dimmesdale's room is hung with tapestries depicting the Biblical story of David, Bathsheba, and Nathan the Prophet. King David commits adultery with Bathsheba. He then orders that her husband be sent to certain death in battle. Nathan warns the King that he will be punished.
Why is it ironic that these scenes decorate Dimmesdale's rooms? What effects is the constant sight of them likely to have on the minister's sensibilities?
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It's ironic because he took part in an almost identical situation (minus the killing of the husband) and by seeing it (the tapestry) constantly he condemns his own sin over and over just as Nathan condemned David's. It reminds him that he will be punished. Maybe not today or even in this life, but in the eyes of God there is no escape and he will inevitably stand before him on Judgement Day with his sin for all to see. This knowledge eats away at his conscience continually and ultimately results in his deterioration of health.
ReplyDeleteSarah Walker
3rd Hour
This is ironic because it is the same sin that he himself had committed. The constant sight of the tapestries put him in more pain. I think it is one of his ways of punishing himself by constantly reminding himself of his sin.
ReplyDeleteAustin Martinovich -> 3rd hour
That really triggers the old noodle. I agree with the two previous comments in that, this is ironic because as we all know by know he was the man that Hestor Pryne committed adultry with. So with all of those decorations I beleive that is his way of punishing himself and reminding himself that the act he committed was a sin and he too is as much fault as Hestor is.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with everyone here, its pretty darn ironic with the story about bathsheba and david, and hester and dimmesdale. dimmesdale knows he has sinned, and as nathan condems david, so does chillingworth condem dimmesdale on a higher degree. they know there sin is wrong and all of the decorations make it even more obvious
ReplyDeleteanna mason 3rd hour =)
ReplyDeleteThats such a weird thing to have hanging in his room. It is ironic since Dimmesdale and David are both highly regarded honorably/religious type men who have committed adualtry. By having the tapestries in his room it is a constant reminder of what he has done, but David is still mostly known for the rightous things he has done with his life, so that might give Dimmesdale hope that he can still be a good and rightous person even after commiting that sin.
ReplyDeleteMarcia Kreifels 6th
I agree with everyone that have the tapestries on his wall serve as a remind of his sin.He is using them as another form of punishment, he is surrounding himself in his sin which is mostly likely tormenting him and making sure he never stop thinking of the wrong he has done and that he will be punish for what he did.I found Marcia's statement about him getting hope that he will be a good and rightous person even after his sin very interesting.I think it could be giving him some sort of willpower to try and be a better leader for his people so that they won't sin themselves.
ReplyDeleteJessica Yoesle 6th hour
Whell, this is ironic, because Dimmesdale committed adultry with Hester, and Chillingworth has made it his life mission to find out the father of Pearl's father. Pearl has at some point realized that Dimmesdale is her father. So it is like all of the characters are repeating, but King David and Bathsheba's husband are kind of switched around.
ReplyDeleteThe tapestries definatley symbolize Dimmesdale sin. It is a constant reminder of it. He might feel that he will be punished, like how Nathan the Prophet predicts King David's punishment. Dimmesdale does not know about Chllingworth. (Hm...) This is surpisingly creepy
Kourtney Vara 3rd Hour
This is ironic because Dimmesdale himself committed that exact same sin with Hester. I have to agree with Kourtney that all the characters are kind of repeating, and are slightly similar to what is going on in Dimmesdales life at that time. I think the reason Dimmesdale still keeps that particular tapestry up in his room is because it reminds him of the sin he has commited with Hester, and he feels that in a way he deserves to suffer every time he looks at it.
ReplyDeleteBethany Gander- 6th hour.
These scenes are ironic because they are like a representation of Dimmsdale's sin he committed with Hester. Just as Nathan the Prophet warns the king that he will be punished, these tapestries hanging in Dimmsdale's room serve as both a warning and a reminder of what he has done, and that he will be punished for it. The constant sight of these tapestries more than likely makes Dimmsdale regret what he has done, and remind him that he will not get away with it in the end.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, good point Kourtney. I definitely agree that the characters in the story are like a repeat of the characters in the tapestries.
Kathleen Ferrero- 1st Hour
Haha jerrid cracks me up when he posts. Anyways, I also agree that it's ironic because he committed the same sin of adultry with Hester. Deep down he knows he can't get away from God's punishment. I think he realizes though that he screwed up just as much as Hester.
ReplyDeleteI agree with everyone posted here...It really is somewhat hard to have a voice on these questions when you get in to them late. Some of these only have one real answer...
ReplyDelete--Kyle Turner--
6th Hour
It is ironic because he committed the same sin as King David (just about everyone has the same answer so its hard to come up with something different). I think the reason Dimsdale like this biblical story so much is becasue he can realate to is so much. The fact that he is not the only religious person who has commited the sin maybe makes him feel as if its ok (ok as in he has not been the only one to make that mistake).
ReplyDeleteThese tapestries are ironic because Dimesdale is just like King David, he committed adultery with someone, but then he's also like the husband because he is being punished by not confessing his sin. I would say that Nathan is represented by Chillingworth becuase he warns Dimesdale if he doesn't confess, he will suffer. The tappestries provide Dimesdale with a constant reminder of is problems
ReplyDeletelucas frederes 3rd hour
Its ironic because both Dimesdale and King David committed adultery. The Tapestries are a way of reminding him of what he has done. He will never be able to forgive himeself for everything that happened.
ReplyDeleteKris Callahan 1st Hour
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThe irony is that King David and Dimmesdale are both well-respected, deeply revered persons that commit similar sins. Further, there is an irony that even Dimmesdale couldn't be aware of. In a way, Dimmesdale's sin and love of Hester causes Roger to lose his humanity, and in a way you could campare the king's prophet, Nathan, to Roger (Dimmesdale's bearer of bad news).
ReplyDeleteJacob Nicholson :]
3rd Hr
the irony in this is that he commited the same sin. i think that seeing his room must drive him crazy because he is reminded about the sin he commited every hour of the day. unless that is what he wants because he wants to torture himself to make sure that he never forgets what he did.
ReplyDeletejasmine perez 1hr
The irony in this is that Dimsdale did the same sin that King David did. Being in his room must torture him becasue he is reminded ever hour of the day of the sin he did. Dimsdale probably regrets having these paintings in his room but on the same note he probably likes it because he can torture himself with it.
ReplyDeleteBreanna Roberts 6th hr
i agree with pretty much everybody here. its ironic because dimmsdale knows what he did and that he committed adultary or whatever so it is kind of his punishment seeing the room and the stories that unfold from it.
ReplyDeleteHe knows what he did. The only thing that different is that David killed a man. Dimmesdale to our knowledge has not done this. It might be sort of his punishment or his acknowldgment of what he has done.
ReplyDeleteRachel Timmer 6th
ReplyDeleteIts ironic because Dimmesdale did almost the exact same thing with Hester. I believe he has the tapestry in his room because he thinks he should be punished for his act just as Hester has been.
ReplyDeleteKatie Hays- 1st hour
The tapestries would have the same effect of the prophet telling Dimmesdale over and over that he was going to be punished, so over an extended period of time he would begin to be constantley haunted by the feeling he was going to be punished any moment
ReplyDeleteLogan Roix- 3rd hour
It's ironic because he committed adultery too. The sins were very much alike besides the fact that Dimmesdale did not kill a man.
ReplyDeleteLooking at the tapestries would drive him crazy because he knows that he to will be punished at some time.
Amanda Bursztynsky 1st hour
I agree with everyone, its weird, and it is like they had karma! haha, but I dont know how he would live with himself? Having the guilt, but then on top of that, having the hanging picture things?! INSANE!
ReplyDeleteand
CREEEPPPYYY!!!
Nate Nugent 1st hour
I agree with many of the other posts.
ReplyDeleteThis is ironic because Dimmesdale is going through a similar situation. Dimmesdale and David both committed the same sin. There also is some sort of "torture" going on. Chillingworth is torturing Dimmesdale because of his sin. In the tapestries, King David is torturing the husband because of his own sin.
Constantly seeing these tapestries would have a negative effect on Dimmesdale. It would be a constant reminder of the mistake he made and would make him feel guiltier than he already is especially because his sin is secret. It could also be something that is making is health worse.
The tapestries could also be like Dimmesdale's "scarlet letter."
Just like Hester's "A" the tapestries will always remind him of his sin.
Bri Groble, 3rd hour.
I definately agree with Bri. The tapestries would certainly be a version of his own personal 'scarlet letter'.
ReplyDeleteIt is ironic because Dimmesdale himself is an adulterer. I'm sure that the portraits depicting the above story of King David in Dimmesdale's room would be a constant pain to his spirit. It would always be there when he was alone in his chamber, reminding him that he is a sinner.
The irony is that he committed the same sin as is stated in the bible.
ReplyDeleteIt acts as a constant reminder of his sin, kinda like the scarlet letter and Pearl are to Hester. Its kinda like another stab at the heart to him to have to see those every day.
Corey Barnes-3rd hour
The tapestries are ironic because like King David, Dimmesdale commited Adultery. Dimmesdale also tries to cover his sin, but instead of killing a man like King David did, he keeps the secret to himself.
ReplyDeleteObviously the effects of these tapestries are negative. Dimmesdale's guilt is literally eating him alive and I'm sure the art taunts him during his vigals of fasting and the times he inflicts pain on himself.
Angela Wilcox 3rd Hour
I agree with Angela that it is ironc because Dimesdale has also commited adultery. Dimesdale also does not reaveal his sin to everyone and does not kill anyone, but him not telling his secret sin is eating him up inside and basically killing himself. And the tapestries are constant reminders of his wrong doings.
ReplyDeletetaylor damyen
6th hour
I agree with what taylor said above. Though in reality no one was sent into battle and no one was sentenced to death, mentally Dimmesdale has been dying for seven years since he's been dealing with this secret sin inside. His tapestries in his room are a constant reminder of what he's done, it's kind of a way to punish himself just like the King was punished by Nathan.
ReplyDelete3rd hour
Its ironic because he commited the same crime. Even though it hurts him to look at these always, its a little reminder that he isnt perfect, and he made a huge mistake also.
ReplyDeleteThis is ironic because even though he is a religous person he committed a big sin just like they did.Seeing the tapestries everyday just remind him of what he did and how awful it was.
ReplyDeleteThe irony is that what was once a symbol of his profession and love for God has become a reminder of his sins in an eerily similar story. He always remembers that he will be punished.
ReplyDeleteIt is ironic because he committed the same crime, except Hester's husband (Chillingworth) is determined to get his revenge on Dimmesdale instead of the husband being the victim.
ReplyDeleteIt is likely to make him feel worse and worse about his wrong doings and keep piling on the guilt, which is why he is sick.
It is ironic because Dimmesdale is guilty of the same crime. The painting is there to remind him of what he has done and it tortures him everyday.
ReplyDeleteBryer Lehr
3rd Hour
This is an excellent example of irony because two of the three sins listed Dimmesdale himself has done. The effects probably fatigue and depress him because it reminds of what he has done every day.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Sarah Walker and Jerid. I believe that he is guilty and the tapestries remind him of his sin and make him feel as if he has it just as bad as Hester. Even though he will never have it as bad because he doesnt have to wear a red letter on his chest.
ReplyDeleteit's ironic because what the story tells, and the sin related in it of adultery, is basically exactly what Reverend Dimmesdale has done himself.
ReplyDeleteI agree with almost everyone else that it is ironic because this is basically the same sin he himself commited and the tapestries remind him of that. But I do not agree with erooMeeD because I believe Dimmesdale has it worse than Hester because he is keeping everything bottled up inside and it's tearing him up. Hester's not as bad off because everyone already knows so it's not a big deal.
ReplyDeleteBrittany Hougas 6th
This selection is filled with irony. For one, Dimmesdale has also committed adultery. Both men seemed to be higher ranked. Nathan warns the king that he will be punished. Dimmesdale has been punished throughout his life because of the guilt that has been secretly eating at him. Also, Chillingsworth has told Hester that he would get revenge on Dimmesdale. He has also been doing his best to get revenge on Dimmesdale.
ReplyDeleteWith the scene in Dimmesdale's room, it reminds him of what he has done. His choice will affect someday, whether he realizes it or not. It might affect where he will go after he passes.
ReplyDeleteAli Stevenson - 1st hour
It's pretty much eating away at his soul. I would of torn it down if I were him. He is already in a horrible depressing mood and you don't need anything to make it worse. Is it ironic? Oh yah, everything about it is ironic. I basically agree with the majority.
ReplyDeleteCarlee Lieser
6th hr.
It's ironic in that it is a hilariously exact mirror image of his own life and suffering, except for the fact that the roles of King David (Dimmesdale) and Bathsheba's husband (Chillingworth) have been reversed.
ReplyDeleteChristian Blunk 3rd Hour
Ironic statement nonetheless. He was put in a situation very much alike. I dont think that this portrait is a reminder of what he did but maybe a symbol of the sheer power and courage that a man will do for love(in this case kill!)
ReplyDeleteHe will be reminded that the men of god have basically implied that nothing(not even the punishment of sin) is above allpowerful love.
Eddie Weber 6th hour
It is ironic that the pictures are hung in Dimmesdale's room because he has committed adultery in secret. Having to look at these tapestries every day, I'm sure that Dimmesdale is just more motivated towards his self-torture.
ReplyDeleteElaina Bruck 6th Hour
Dimmesdale commited almost the exact same sin as did David. With this story always around him, it is a constant reminder of what he has done and that he has to live up to his sin and except the punishment.
ReplyDeleteCorey Skolek, 3rd hour
It is ironic that these scenes decorate Dimmesdale's room because he had committed the same sin with Hester, as King David committed with Batsheba. The constant sight of these is a reminder of what the minister had done, so he will never forget to repent, and redeem himself.
ReplyDeleteHanna Sakakibara 3rd hour
It is ironic because the sin that was committed in the scene is almost the same as Dimmesdale's sin. It is another way he ends up hurting himself. Every time he walks into the room he is reminded of his secret sin. And even though nobody knows of his sin, that god knows.
ReplyDeleteAmber Weitzel-3rd hr
It’s ironic that those scenes decorate Dimmesdale’s room because he commited adultery like David. It’s a lot like Dimmesdale’s situation because he didn’t suffer publicly, like both Hester and Bathsheba did. The constant sight of them probably doesn’t help the minister’s grief.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth Berryman 6th