Introduction
To express the themes of shame, sin, and loneliness in Hawthorne’s “The Minister’s Black Veil,“ the author uses various figurative language techniques.
Metaphor
One instance is the use of metaphor when the narrator claims, “Could Mr. Hooper be fearful of her glance, that he so hastily caught back the black veil?” (Hawthorne & Breen, 1969). The metaphor implies that the veil’s hazy appearance is frightful. This analogy heightens the tension by evoking a sense of dread surrounding the minister’s strange presence.
Personification
Personification is another example of figurative language in the narrative, as the narrator describes the veil as having “muffled whispers.“ This personification’s literal representation is that the veil creates a delicate rustling sound (Hawthorne & Breen, 1969). Because the whispers of the veil imply that it conceals some message or secret that the minister is not disclosing, this metaphorical language aids in creating tension. As the veil serves as an actual hindrance between the minister and his community, it adds to the feeling of confinement and estrangement.
Hyperbole
In the narrative, the author also uses hyperbole when they write, “Everybody was curious to see him in his new habiliments.“ This hyperbole’s precise meaning is that many people were curious to view the minister’s new clothes (Hawthorne & Breen, 1969). By illustrating how the minister’s look has unexpectedly come to be the center of attention in society, this metaphorical language aids in developing the minister’s personality. As the villagers are more focused on the minister’s looks than the actual content of his lectures, it also contributes to the subject of judgment and hypocrisy.
Imagery
The graveyard scenario has vivid details that heighten tension and create conflict. “The grass of many years had sprung up and withered on that grave“ (Hawthorne & Breen, 1969). The generations of a single ancestral family were hidden beneath. The minister’s confrontation with his society, which rejects him because of his previous wrongdoings, is furthered by the imagery of the generations of one family buried beneath the earth, which evokes a feeling of history.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “The Minister’s Black Veil“ uses a variety of figurative language strategies in “The Minister’s Black Veil“ to develop the characters, create a disturbing and suspenseful atmosphere, and explore themes of concealed sin and guilt, judgment, and hypocrisy. The author strengthens the story’s significance and takes the reader into the mysterious world of the minister and his town by using metaphor, personification, hyperbole, and imagery.
Reference
Hawthorne, N., & Breen, R. S. (1969). The minister’s black veil. Spoken Arts.