The Minister's Black Veil Thesis

In “The Veil of Words In ‘The Minister’s Black Veil’,” Norman German argues that “The Minister’s Black Veil” gives insight into how people’s appearances often contradict reality.
German states that Hooper’s speech differs from one congregation to another. Of course, the change in Hooper’s speech on various occasions is accompanied by different appearances. Throughout the story, Hooper has several voices to please different congregations (German 44). At some point, Hooper expressed happiness with his congregation through his voice although he was not happy from a reality perspective. To highlight Hooper’s happiness with the congregation despite his inward troubles, Hawthorne states that “Mr. Hooper had the reputation of a good preacher, but not an energetic one; he strove to win his people heavenward by mild, persuasive influences…” Hawthorne (17). Clearly, Hooper also tries to be all things to all people he meets. This is because he pays due reverence to the hoary heads, salutes

middle-aged people with kind dignity, and greets the young with authority and love. His attempt to be all things to all people is also evident when he lays his hand on the heads of little children to bless them (German 44). When doing these, Hooper exhibits false appearances that contradict the reality.
Next, German focuses on how Hooper incessantly confronts his parishioners and other people he encounters during his time as a clergyman, and this is contrary to the reality where he is expected to accommodate every parishioner despite differing opinions or ideologies. Hooper goes against the expectation and confronts his parishioners when he refuses to uncover his face during the sermon (German 44). Hooper is widely known among the parishioners as a holy, open, and transparent person. However, he assumes and ignores the perturbation among the parishioners and proceeds with his sermon. Hooper’s appearance was that of a concerned and caring person. Unluckily, the reality was different as “Mr. Hooper appeared not to notice the perturbation of his people (Hawthorne 16). According to German, the confrontation between Hooper and those around him because of the veil has seen people change their attitude and relationship with him. No one seems to care about him anymore and people no longer talk to him directly like they did before (German 44). Although it appears people care about Mr. Hooper, this is contrary to the reality where people no longer care about him. With Mr. Hooper’s position as a clergyman, he is expected to respond and be receptive of his visitors. However, he does not meet this obligation when he leaves his visitors the whole burden of introducing their business (German 45). Further, as a clergyman, Hooper is tasked with informing his congregation of the reasons behind his actions. Unfortunately, he leaves the congregation longing for a breath of wind to blow aside the veil (German 44).
Other than Mr.

Hooper, Elizabeth’s appearance also contradicts reality. On several occasions, she is viewed as an innocent person, who is strongly against unacceptable behaviors in society. German states that “she is one of the few innocents in the story (42). Of course, the congregation expects Elizabeth to stand against her husband’s decision to wear the veil. However, she denies that there is anything terrible with the veil, and this leaves the parishioners surprised (German 42). Later, she opposes and begs her husband to take off the veil as it is a threat to his position and influence as a clergyman. Hawthorne echoes Elizabeth’s when he states that “Take away the veil from them, at least” (20). By these statements, Elizabeth exhibits a change of opinions regarding the veil, which is contradicts her appearance initially, especially before her husband. A contradiction between appearance and reality is further evident when Elizabeth gives Hooper a long and shuddering gaze (German

43).
Throughout the story, Mr. Hooper’s figurative invisibility highlights a contradiction between his appearance and reality. Being a clergyman, he presents himself as a person with the interests of his parishioners at heart. However, in reality, he conceals several perspectives from them. For instance, Mr. Hooper’s face is not revealed even upon his death (German 46). Hawthorne states that “…and there he sat, shivering with the arms of death around him, while the black veil hung down…” (23). Mr. Hooper’s figurative invisibility that contradicts reality is also evident during his encounter with the dead maiden in the casket, which is later described by parishioners as an interview between the dead and the living (German 46). Also, German links Hooper’s figurative invisibility that contradicts reality to the fact that he renews his religious symbology leaving the congregation spiritually blind (46) and the fact that he is without a face even at his deathbed (45).