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Essay on Nathaniel Hawthorne
Introduction: Nathaniel Hawthorne was a 19th century American novelist and short story writer. He is seen as a key figure in the development of American literature and was not a transcendentalist. Nathaniel Hawthorne seems to equivocate among the values he brings forward through her stories.
Analysis: The Minister's Black Veil" is a short story written by the nineteenth century author Nathaniel Hawthorne. It was first published in 1836 under Hawthorne's name within the publication entitled Twice-Told Tales. The story is set in an assumedly Puritan community in the seventeenth century. The story details events surrounding one Reverend Hooper, after he suddenly and mysteriously begins wearing a veil of black crepe over his face, covering his eyes and nose. (Hawthorne adds in a footnote detailing an incident similar to this story, of how a minister in Puritan New England assumes a black veil after accidentally killing a childhood friend.)
The reverend assumes the black veil before the day's church meeting. After which, he proceeds to officiate at a funeral and then a wedding. In both events, nigh supernatural events occur, and the veil's true nature begins to become unraveled. In a later conversation with his fiancée, Elizabeth, Mr. Hooper goes about explaining the reason for the veil, and its symbolism. Based upon Hawthorne's strongest beliefs (the dangers of isolation and the "inherent evil" nature of mankind) it is relatively safe to assume that the message of the story is that of how one can never come to grips with one's truly evil nature. Mr. Hooper's dying words, in which he condemns others as dishonest with themselves, also affirm this theme. The protagonist conceals his secret sin, which parallels to "Young Goodman Brown" By concealing his "secret sin," Mr. Hooper essentially helps other Puritans to realize everyone has a "secret sin." Some display their sins, others hide them with confidence.( Boone, N.S.)....
