In Boone’s criticism he highlights that someone in Hooper’s congregation states, “Guilty of the typical sins of every human, but holier than most” (Boone, par. 7). His criticism suggests that ministers typically live a more wholesome lifestyle and therefore have to deal with less personal sin than the common man. It also raises the question of the severity of Mr. Hooper’s sin given that he is a minister who is not able to find salvation from himself. Later in the story, a church member says, “A darkened aspect to all living and inanimate things” (Hawthorne, pg. 1). This supports the story’s theme because it proves that everything possesses a dark side because of the sin. Early in his life, Hooper was not a dark person but was eventually consumed by the sins that he committed. Even though he was a pastor, he was not immune from sin and felt that by wearing the veil it helped hide the physical appearance and strain of the sins he