Nathaniel Hawthorne was an American writer who wrote many works from novels to short stories. He is well known for the novel “The Scarlet Letter” and the short story “The Minister’s Black Veil”. In the short story “The Minister’s Black Veil” there are many themes that are apparent and help to understand life and how people interact. , these are some that I found very relatable to: insecurity, friendship, and guilt. The most noticeable theme that I took away from the short story would be the insecurity that the minister showed by hiding behind the veil. The story said, “On a nearer view it seemed to consist of two folds of crape, which entirely concealed his features, except the mouth and chin…” (937). This was his disguise because he had
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They must have thought that by putting their sins away, they were erasing it. Sadly, everyone still sees it. That is why everyone would stand around and talk the minister. He must have thought by hiding behind the veil he would be erasing his sins, but everyone still talks and they can see behind his veil. They would rather see the real minister and not the minister that hides behind a veil. The congregation said things like “I don’t like it..” (937), “… and I would not be alone with him for the world…” (939), and “Our parson has gone mad!” (938). They talked with each other about how sad it is that he is behind the veil and how they want it off his face so they can see more than just his mouth. I believe that this theme has disappeared for the most part. There are a few people that might still think about covering up their mistakes or sins, but looking at the country as a whole is different. Most of the population is okay with mistakes, they own up to them and say it was their fault. Our generation has taught us more of accepting our mistakes and usually growing because of them. Personally I think it is good and bad that the country has changed this way. It is good because we are comfortable in our own skin and will not cower when something goes
They must have thought that by putting their sins away, they were erasing it. Sadly, everyone still sees it. That is why everyone would stand around and talk the minister. He must have thought by hiding behind the veil he would be erasing his sins, but everyone still talks and they can see behind his veil. They would rather see the real minister and not the minister that hides behind a veil. The congregation said things like “I don’t like it..” (937), “… and I would not be alone with him for the world…” (939), and “Our parson has gone mad!” (938). They talked with each other about how sad it is that he is behind the veil and how they want it off his face so they can see more than just his mouth. I believe that this theme has disappeared for the most part. There are a few people that might still think about covering up their mistakes or sins, but looking at the country as a whole is different. Most of the population is okay with mistakes, they own up to them and say it was their fault. Our generation has taught us more of accepting our mistakes and usually growing because of them. Personally I think it is good and bad that the country has changed this way. It is good because we are comfortable in our own skin and will not cower when something goes