The Minister's Black Veil Analysis

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The Minister's Black Veil is one of Nathaniel Hawthorne's most famous and beloved works. The story introduces us to a small, seemingly peaceful Puritan town. Most of the townsfolk go about their business on what seems like a normal Sunday morning. The peace is shattered when Reverend Hooper is seen wearing a black veil that covers his face. Though some may wonder why he chooses to wear the veil, that is not the point of this story. It is the uncertainty of the reason that makes the reactions of the townsfolk all more telling about who they really are. Many people are quite shocked to see the minister presented in such a way. One older woman says, "He has changed himself into something awful, only by hiding his face." Others agree that he is indeed quite disturbing to look at due to his new attire, although still remaining to be a polite and well mannered individual. While coming to their own conclusions as to why Mr. Hooper is wearing the veil, the townsfolk overlook their own crimes and sins. …show more content…

His reputation described by the narrator as "a good preacher, but not an energetic one: he strove to win his people heavenward by mild persuasive influence rather than to drive them thither". However, his new look has made his sermons more intriguing. His church audience becomes more attentive and feels that somehow the veil has made his appearance more uneasy but also more authoritative. At this point, the townsfolk begin to view their minister in a different light. Shortly after one of his services, people began to spread rumors about what sin Reverend Hooper must have committed in order for the veil dilemma to happen. They are even more distraught that he does not seem to be acting out of ordinary at all. Soon, the people decide that the minister's black veil must be something sinister, since they have no other way to explain

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