Skepticism In The Minister's Black Veil

The popular misconception is that skeptics are people who disbelieve things. According to Dr. Shermer, the true meaning of the word skepticism has nothing to do with doubt, disbelief, or negativity. “Skepticism is the process of applying reason and critical thinking to determine validity. It is the process of finding a supported conclusion, not the justification of a preconceived conclusion.” Hawthorne seems to be a great skeptic towards the values of his time. In his short stories Hawthorne has never directly criticized the American history; however, in two of his major works “The Minister’s Black Veil” and “My Kinsman, Major Molineux” shows his thoughts about Puritanism and the American Revolution. Hawthorne pictures two different communities, who leave up to the ideals they set for themselves. This essay seeks to show that “The Minister’s Black Veil” and “My Kinsman, Major Molineux” express Hawthorne skepticism …show more content…
This is a mythological reference to Dante’s Divine Comedy, specifically to the character of Caronte, who brings lost souls in the Hell from one bank of the river to the other. In “My Kinsman, Major Molineux” this is the crossing into corruption, which characterizes the city. To represent the purity of the countryside and the corruption of the town, Hawthorne provides a detailed description of both Robin and citizens’ clothing.
“In his progress, Robin encountered many gay and gallant figures. Embroidered garments, of showy colors, enormous periwigs, gold-laced hats, and silver-hilted swords, glided past him, and dazzled his optics. Travelled youths, imitators of the European fine gentlemen of the period […]”

In describing citizens’ clothing Hawthorne has a Judgmental Feeling. In contrast with the citizens’ showy, imitative and dazzling clothes, he prefers Robin’s natural, handmade and serviceable