Symbolism In Minister Of The Black Veil
Jaeden McKenzie
Mrs. Dwyer
English 11, Slot 6
October 29, 2014
Symbolism in "The Minister’s Black Veil” How can a single piece of black cloth influence and completely change a man’s life? “The Minister’s Black Veil,” a short story written by Nathaniel Hawthorne, is a perfect example of this idea. This short story is mainly about a well-loved minister, Parson Hooper, who begins to wear a black veil without any explanation as to why, and this action begins to create conflict with those around him. Symbolism plays a major role in the story as it helps to influence the setting and the overall moral of the message that is being stressed. One of the first ways that the readers see symbolism being used in “The Minister’s Black Veil” is Parson Hooper’s interaction with his betrothed. In the story, the reverend’s fiancée asks him to lift his veil once, so she can see what is hidden underneath. Hawthorne writes, “Come, good sir, let the sun shine from behind the cloud. First lay aside your black veil: then tell me why you put it on."(pg. 6) however, he refuses, and this causes her to lose him. Right from the start, we can how the veil is going to be a major problem. It has already affected his relationship with his intended and now it is starting to affect his relationship with the rest of the community. Rumors begin to spread that the reverend is wearing this black veil because it is a result of the guilt that he is feeling or it is used to represent his past sins. “He perhaps, like other mortals, has sorrows enough to be typified by a black veil.” This quotation is an indication that the minister is struggling with his guilt and he cannot come to terms with it. His guilty conscience for past misdeeds are essentially the basis of his problems, but he still wears it in order to express his idea In “The Minister’s Black Veil,” the presence of symbolism helps to show the recurring motif in the story: hidden sin. Wearing this black veil could symbolize a specific sin
Mrs. Dwyer
English 11, Slot 6
October 29, 2014
Symbolism in "The Minister’s Black Veil” How can a single piece of black cloth influence and completely change a man’s life? “The Minister’s Black Veil,” a short story written by Nathaniel Hawthorne, is a perfect example of this idea. This short story is mainly about a well-loved minister, Parson Hooper, who begins to wear a black veil without any explanation as to why, and this action begins to create conflict with those around him. Symbolism plays a major role in the story as it helps to influence the setting and the overall moral of the message that is being stressed. One of the first ways that the readers see symbolism being used in “The Minister’s Black Veil” is Parson Hooper’s interaction with his betrothed. In the story, the reverend’s fiancée asks him to lift his veil once, so she can see what is hidden underneath. Hawthorne writes, “Come, good sir, let the sun shine from behind the cloud. First lay aside your black veil: then tell me why you put it on."(pg. 6) however, he refuses, and this causes her to lose him. Right from the start, we can how the veil is going to be a major problem. It has already affected his relationship with his intended and now it is starting to affect his relationship with the rest of the community. Rumors begin to spread that the reverend is wearing this black veil because it is a result of the guilt that he is feeling or it is used to represent his past sins. “He perhaps, like other mortals, has sorrows enough to be typified by a black veil.” This quotation is an indication that the minister is struggling with his guilt and he cannot come to terms with it. His guilty conscience for past misdeeds are essentially the basis of his problems, but he still wears it in order to express his idea In “The Minister’s Black Veil,” the presence of symbolism helps to show the recurring motif in the story: hidden sin. Wearing this black veil could symbolize a specific sin