Name: ________________________
Date: _______
The Minister’s Black Veil
Answer each of the following questions in complete sentences.
1. The opening paragraph describes the setting of this short story. Describe it in your own
words. Remember- setting also includes time period.
2. Who is the main character of this story, and what is he wearing on his face? Describe
what he looks like on that particular Sunday.
3. How does the community react to the black veil? Use quotes to support your response.
4. Interpret the following quote: “It shook with his measured breath, as he gave out the
psalm; it threw its obscurity between him and the holy page, as he read the Scriptures;
and while he prayed, the veil lay heavily on his uplifted countenance. Did he seek to hide
it from the dread Being whom he was addressing?” (35).
5. What type of preacher is Mr. Hooper at the beginning of this story? Find a quote to
support your answer.
6. What was the subject of his sermon? Connect this idea to his black veil. How does the
community react to his sermon?
7. Why don’t people want to associate with Mr. Hooper anymore? Find a quote to
support your answer.
8. While Mr. Hooper is at the funeral of a young lady, the following is described: “As he
stooped, the veil hung straight down from his forehead, so that, if her eyelids had not
been closed forever, the dead maiden might have seen his face” (38). Why is this
significant? What does one woman claim to have seen?
9. How does Mr. Hooper change the mood of the wedding?
10. Characterize his wife, Elizabeth. What does she ask him to do? When does Mr.
Hooper say he will finally remove his veil?
11. What happens to Elizabeth? When does she reappear? What is she there to do?
12. How is Mr. Hooper “an efficient clergyman” now (45)?
13. Why do dying sinners cry out for Mr. Hooper? What is he affectionately called now?
14. What do Father Hooper’s fellow reverends ask him to do before he dies? What is Mr.
Hooper’s response?
15. How is Mr. Hooper buried? Why is this significant?