Introduction
Symbolism is often used by authors who want to add specific meanings to their texts and make the audience think about particular ideas. Using hidden meanings and messages, the writers establish a particular atmosphere and engage readers. For this reason, there are many examples in literature when symbols help to look at the story from another angle and analyze it from a different perspective. For instance, in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s short story “The Minister’s Black Veil,” the same literary tool is utilized. The author uses the veil as the symbol of sin, guilt, and isolation, which were important notions in the society of that period.
Symbolism in The Minister’s Black Veil by Nathaniel Hawthorne
Sin and secrets are central themes in the short story. The choice of the given issues is not occasional, as the Puritan society devotes much attention to how their actions and thoughts impact their relations with God. For this reason, Hawthorne gives the black veil additional meanings. First of all, it acts as the symbol of secret sin, which can be understood by the choice of words and the character’s actions. The closing detail is one of the most notable features of Mr. Hooper, as the author says, “There was but one thing remarkable in his appearance” (Hawthorne 1). As any sin, it differentiated him from others and made the character suffer. At the same time, he was not ready to put it off, which adds additional symbolism. Sins cannot be atoned easily, and people must live with them.
Therefore, the idea of sin is supported by the theme of guilt, which is also related to the symbol of the veil. Wrong actions lead to the development of feelings of guilt and shame, which torture an individual and cultivate the desire to be forgiven. In the story, Mr. Hooper says, “Be mine, and hereafter there shall be no veil over my face, no darkness between our souls! It is but a mortal veil–it is not for eternity” (Hawthorne 9). The lines show that the veil symbolizes darkness, and, at the same time, it is only a mortal veil. It means that death can give forgiveness, which is similar to the religious ideas of atonement and redemption.
Finally, sins and guilt isolate a person from the world and doom him/her to eternal suffering, which is also shown by using the discussed symbol. Hawthorne says, “All through life that piece of crape had hung between him and the world: it had separated him from cheerful brotherhood and woman’s love, and kept him in that saddest of all prisons, his own heart” (11). In such a way, the veil symbolizes prison, or isolation, a person’s readiness to escape reality with its temptations and joy. Mr. Hooper suffers from guilt and sins but is ready to carry this feeling and hope for redemption.
Conclusion
Altogether, the short story by Nathaniel Hawthorne, “The Minister’s Black Veil,” uses symbolism to introduce the themes of sin, guilt, and isolation. That piece of clothing separates the main character from the world and impacts all his interactions with the people around him. At the same time, he accepts this fate and refuses to live another life. He hopes it is only a moral veil, meaning that he will be forgiven and the sins will be atoned. The powerful symbolism creates a specific atmosphere in the story and enhances understanding of the author’s ideas.
Work Cited
Hawthorne, Nathaniel. “The Minister’s Black Veil.” Unversidad de La Laguna. Web.