Minister's Black Veil

The Minister's Black Veil is a prevailing advocate for the gloomy genre of American Romanticism. Written by Nathaniel Hawthorne, the story focuses on the individual and his inner world . In the same way, his story integrates symbolism and morality to reveal the terrible reality of human nature. Subsequently, a plethora of romantic references are created throughout the story. These references symbolize the psychological effects of guilt and sin as well as conflicts between good and evil.
Melancholy yet rousing, the protagonist is known as Mr. Hooper, a minister in New England. Numerous themes of American Romanticism can correlate with Mr. Hooper’s character. An illustration of the protagonists true persona is revealed through quotes in the story, …show more content…
It is apparent that everything revolves around the black veil in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s parable. More importantly, the romantic theme of the parable illustrates Mr. Hooper’s veil to be much more than meets the eye. Another typical romantic characteristic includes the gothic style of Mr. Hooper’s appearance and the symbol he idolizes over his face. As a romantic character, Mr. Hooper idolizes his veil as a barrier or shield, either hiding him or protecting him from sin. To illustrate, “The subject had reference to secret sin, and those sad mysteries which we hide from our nearest and dearest, and would fain conceal from our own consciousness, even forgetting that the Omniscient can detect them”. Mr. Hooper is content in isolating himself from human emotion and letting his self righteousness turn him into an outcast. To elaborate, the veil detaches the reverend from his sentiments and forces others to imply he is concealing something dark and unholy. Specifically seen in the conversation another clergyman has with Mr. Hooper before his death,(Westerbury to the Minister) “Dark old man! With what horrible crime upon your soul are you now passing to the judgment?”. It has been shown that Mr. Hooper believes he isn’t the only one that suppresses his own sin, for everyone keeps skeletons in their closet. To conclude, “Why do you tremble at me alone?" cried he, turning his veiled …show more content…
When Hooper first puts on the black veil, everyone expects it just to be a prop for his sermon. The theme has reference to secret sin, and those sad mysteries which we hide from our nearest and dearest, as seen when Mr. Hoopers fiance states the following, "But what if the world will not believe that it is the type of an innocent sorrow?" urged Elizabeth. "Beloved and respected as you are, there may be whispers that you hide your face under the consciousness of secret sin. For the sake of your holy office do away this scandal." . Father Hooper believes his veil to be a necessity, without his veil he is another common sinner. Hence the perfect excerpt, “Have patience with me, Elizabeth!" cried he, passionately. "Do not desert me though this veil must be between us here on earth. Be mine, and hereafter there shall be no veil over my face, no darkness between our souls. It is but a mortal veil; it is not for eternity. Oh, you know not how lonely I am, and how frightened to be alone behind my black

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Sin In The Minister's Black Veil

Isolation In The Minister's Black Veil