“The Minister’s Black Veil”
Nathaniel Hawthorne
Historical Notes
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Minister Hooper was modeled after a Mr. Joseph Moody
from York, Maine.
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According to Hawthorne, Moody “made himself remarkable by
the same eccentricity that is here related of the Reverend Mr.
Hooper.
In his youth, Moody had killed “a beloved friend; and from that
day till the hour of his own death, hid his face from men.”
Hawthorne understood well the “gloom and piety” of the
early Puritans.
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One of his ancestors had persecuted Quakers.
Another was one of the judges who condemned the Salem
“witches.” (Judge Hathorne)
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Hawthorne subsequently added the “w” to his name.
Effects of the Veil
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The congregation’s initial reactions to the veil
are those of awe, dismay, fear, gloom, and
curiosity.
Elizabeth expresses a concern for the veil’s
effect on Mr. Hooper’s reputation and breaks
their engagement.
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Therefore, the veil generally results in Hooper being
sad and lonely for the remainder of his life.
The veil creates a feeling of horror in Hooper
when he sees his reflection.
What does the veil
symbolize to Mr. Hooper?
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Secret Sin
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Preaches on this subject the first day he wears the veil
Color black is sometimes associated with sin and evil
Veils are used to hide things, so a veil is a good symbol for
something hidden
On death bed, refers to hiding sins from family, friends, lovers,
and God.
Isolation from Others
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Has the effect of isolating him
Begs Elizabeth not to leave him in that isolation forever
No one can penetrate it
On death bed, refers to lack of closeness among even friends
and lovers
What does the veil symbolize
to Mr. Hooper? (cont)
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Sinfulness (or evil) of any kind
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Color black is sometimes associated with sin and evil
Sinfulness is inevitable
Says he will wear veil forever; he, like all people, will
never be without sin
Mortality; Death
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Says a day will come when all will cast aside veils,
referring to dying
On death bed, refers to the veil that is lifted when one
dies
Veil remains on his body and decays with him