Young Goodman Brown and Other Hawthorne Short Stories

Describe what the veil that Mr. Hooper wears represents.

From The Minister's Black Veil: A Parable
by Nathaniel Hawthorne

Asked by
Last updated by Jason B #416778
Answers 1
Add Yours

Some critics believe the veil acted as a mirror, making all the townspeople more aware of their own sins. The more aware they became of their own sinful nature, the more uncomfortable they were, and thus being around the minister and seeing his veil troubled them deeply, even during happy times.

Source(s)

http://www.gradesaver.com/young-goodman-brown-and-other-hawthorne-short-stories/study-guide/summary-the-ministers-black-veil