The Character Of Reverend Hooper In The Minister's Black Veil

Reverend Hooper was the protagonist in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Minister’s Black Veil. He was a soft spoken man who wanted people to realize that every one was a sinner, no matter how much they may deny the fact. He preached during the Puritan era. Conversely, Jonathan Edwards was a preacher who preached during the end of the Puritan era in a terrifying manner; he thought that if he scared those who were listening enough, it would get them to convert. When faced with a challenge regarding how Reverend Hooper would have felt about Edwards, one might conclude that Hooper would have appreciated the intent but not the delivery because it was far too intimidating and aggressive for the congregation, it was the incorrect way to approach wanting people to convert, and it was antipodal to how Hooper would have done so.

In some cases, intimidation may seem like the best way to get a point across.

However in Reverend Hooper’s eyes, this would be an incorrect method to attempt to convert those who have not found God. Jonathan Edwards seems to be screaming at those in the congregation, pointing out that they will be going to Hell, the ‘fiery pit’ that they stand above at all times (Edwards 1). Reverend Hooper on the other hand approaches preaching in a warmer light. He was known to ‘win his people heavenward by mild, persuasive influences’ opposed to driving them there by the ‘thunders of the Word’ (Hawthorne 221). Hooper was more accessible to the people, creating a welcoming ambiance about his personality rather than a rigid, belligerent atmosphere that Edwards gave off. The negativity tied in to Edwards’ sermon was evident, which Reverend Hooper probably would not have appreciated considering Hooper prefers the tranquil approach to preaching. Hooper believes that a message will get across by acting calm rather than

alarming.
Converting or changing any thing or person is a fragile task that can not be taken lightly, and that is the opposite of what Edwards did. He used his sermon in such a way as to frighten people rather than convince them. He scared them into thinking they would go to Hell if they did not worship God. Hooper, on the other hand, created a gateway for those in the congregation to enter at their will, knowing that even if they did have sins, God would still love them. Edwards was talking at the congregation, not to them like Reverend Hooper always did. Reverend Hooper correctly approached the congregation to the idea of converting to worship God while Edwards did it in poor manner.
Jonathan Edwards’ negative take on not worshiping God would not be approved by Reverend Hooper. Hooper ‘had the reputation of a good preacher’ and attempted to avoid telling the congregation that they were perfect and devoid of sins (Hawthorne 221). Even though Hooper was considered a good preacher, he did have aspects of negativity when he would preach. Some sermons were ‘tinged, rather more darkly than usual, with the gentle gloom’ of Mr. Hoopers thoughts (Hawthorne 221). So, even though Hooper did see the the negative side of things, he did not focus on it like Edwards did.
One might conclude that Reverend Hooper would value the general idea of Edwards’ sermon, however not its delivery. The aggressiveness of Edwards, his approach towards converting those in the congregation, and his opposite thoughts on delivery would not please Reverend Hooper to an extent. Contrary to the name Edwards meaning guardian or protector, Jonathan Edwards created fear among the people, which made him less valued in the community for being so frightening.