The Minister's Black Veil, Nathaniel Hawthrone

Sanne Bergh

Eng48A

Journal for Hawthrone

Oct. 11, 2011

Author Quote
"But, even amid his grief, Mr. Hopper smiled to thinking that only a material emblem had separated him from happiness, though the horrors which it shadowed forth, must be drawn darkly between the fondest of lovers" (1317).

Internet Quote
"While the veil is the main symbol in the story, it is also ironic. Hooper in his stubborn use of the veil parable of one sin makes him unconsciously guilty of a greater one; that of egotistically warping the total meaning of life".

Brief Summary of What the Author is Saying
Mr. Hopper uses the black veil as a symbol for his sin, however, he is affecting others negatively with his disconcerting appearance. He believes that the veil is merely a way to punish himself, but it affecting others more than he believes or originally intended. His fiancee leaves him because of the veil, and he doesn't really appear to understand the drastic action because he is wallowing in his own self-pity, so to speak.

Your Idea/Reactions/Responses to the Author's Ideas
A black veil as a tool for self-punishment is an interesting choice because it shows that he is trying to punish himself, but it isn't just a punishment to Mr. Hopper alone. The face isn't to be seen, because Mr. Hopper believes it doesn't deserve to be seen. When a person is looking at someone and they can't see their face, in some cultures, it could be considered fairly rude. For instance, in America, it is polite to take off one's hat so the face can be seen. Of course, in the Middle East women are to wear burquas over their face to hide their beauty, an Afghan woman says she wears it to "save men from themselves.. thoughts are sin in themselves." Likewise, perhaps Mr. Hopper believes that the mere image of his face could perpetuate sin. Others would see the guilt on his face and speak no more of him. It is interesting and ironic that he is a clergyman, because he is supposedly a symbol for everything that is not sin. It is understandable that he would want to acknowledge his wrong-doings whole-heartedly, but it does seem to be in a bit of excess. There is also the act of living a life in penance, and the daily flagellantism as they did in the Catholic Church. However, it just seems very contradictory towards both Christianity and Catholicism, because it is about forgiveness, and Mr. Hopper just can't seem to do that.