Nathaniel Hawthorne

Vince Tang
English 48A
Journal for N. Hawthorne
October 11, 2011



Reading Quote:

"Know, then, this veil is a type and a symbol, and I am bound to wear it ever...This dismal shade must separate me from the world..." (1316).

Research Quote:

"Hawthorne not only makes reader do their own interpretative work but also shows how interpretation is often a form of self-expression" (1272).

Summary of Reading Quote:

Mr. Hooper feels obligated to wear the veil. This veil represents something that creates a separation between him and the world.

Response:

The interpretation of the black veil depends on the perspective and approach of the interpreter. The story does not directly explain what it symbolizes but there are hints of Mr. Hooper’s interpretation and the people’s interpretation. More importantly, the author encourages us to form our own opinion on the meaning of the black veil.

The contrasting interpretation of this veil between Mr. Hooper and the people appears to be that the reverend uses it to represent something holy. For instance, we often slip into the shadows of the truth when we have some sin to hide. Mr. Hooper understands that he is a mortal sinner and uses the veil as a holy piece to symbolize his acceptance. As a minister of God, the reverend feels that it is his duty to openly identify himself as a sinner but, nonetheless, a preacher of God. The people, on the other hand, appear to see the veil as some dreadful darkness. Although they know Mr. Hooper quite well, they find a discomfort in speaking to someone they cannot fully see. It is natural for us to fear or question the unknown such as the reactions of the people around the presence of Mr. Hooper and his mysterious veil. Perhaps they feel he has some dark secret to hide. Perhaps they feel he sees their dark secrets.

Perhaps another interpretation of the black veil is that Mr. Hooper’s obligation to wear it is to strengthen the relationship between God and the people. The reverend’s veil symbolizes a sacred piece that conceals the physical image of his mortal existence. With this sacred veil obscuring his mortal image, he becomes a source of connection from earth to heaven. In fact, the minister “…became a man of awful power, over souls that were in agony for sin” (1318). 

Hawthorne’s short story focuses around interpretations of the minister’s black veil. With the opinions of the characters and leaving the answer unknown, the author allows us to interpret the story as we see it.