The Minister’s Black Veil

• Mr. Hooper’s sermon • tinged with darkness• Parishioners felt guilt – the preacher had

“crept” upon them • They can’t breath • As if he discovered their sins • Voice is melancholy – they tremble • Air of pathos

The people change their behavior towards Mr. Hooper

• Ignore him • Won’t walk beside him • The squire doesn’t invite him to bless his meal • Don’t know why the veil affects them in this

way• Think he has lost his mind

The Effect of the Veil

• The veil hides our true selves• If you are alive you are wearing a veil • veil is a symbol for our effort to hide the sin• The darkest – sinful part of ourselves only we

know and God knows this dark sinful part of our being

• Represents the Puritan belief that we are all sinful

Mr. Hooper Transformed

• Seems to be walking hand in hand with death • Mr. Hooper absorbs the fear of the people • He turns pale – spills the wine (at the

wedding)• He is death, sin • Runs into the dark night

People believed

• Mr. Hooper has lost his mind • Lonely and alone • People believe he has “secret” sin • Walks hand and hand with the dead • He has become a symbol of evil

The Effective Pastor

• Mr. Hooper becomes an effective pastor• By wearing the veil – he admits that he is a

sinner• He is carrying the sins of his congregation –

Christ-like• Sinners can relate to him – no judgment • They fear him – sins are reflected onto him• Speaking to him is like confession – purifying

their sins

Mr. Hooper speaks to the Church Leaders

• You are all wearing veils – • Speaking to the high officials of the church• They too (the church) carries sin • He isn’t a monster because they also carry a

secret • When we are all open with each and stop

judging each other then the veil will no longer be necessary – he no longer will be a monster