I first thought I would like to write about the Scarlett Letter, which most of you have either read or at least heard of. But after following Professor Bennett's link to classic short stories, I found one by the same author, Nathaniel Hawthorne. This story is titled, “The Minister’s Black Veil.” Hawthorne uses both these stories to convey a complex yet simple meaning that we can all apply to our lives. I am fond of such tales because they do not allude to mysterious facts about the world that while interesting are otherwise useless. Self-reflection and improvement are incredible feats that few actually attempt.
The story begins by setting the scene of parishioners gathering for church under the tolling of the sexton’s bell. While the last of the gatherers await the arrival of the minister, they observe his journey from the parsonage. Upon seeing him the sexton cries, "But what has good Parson Hooper got upon his face?" Those still outside can see that he is wearing a black veil. The onlookers act as if he were walking into the church naked. They are completely taken aback and astonished that he would dare wear such a thing. He is completely calm, however, and proceeds into the church to deliver his sermon as always.
Throughout the service, tension mounts so incredibly that more than one woman with “delicate nerves” has to leave the building. The sermon, although delivered in the usual way, touches the heart and conscious of all those in attendance. Each individual feels as though their Pastor can see the very deeds which they have kept secret for so long.
After the service, the minister returns to his home. Reflecting on the events of the morning, one woman comments to her husband: “How strange that a simple black veil, such as any woman might wear on her bonnet, should become such a terrible thing on Mr. Hooper's face.” To this her husband replies, “But the strangest part of the affair is the effect of this vagary, even on a sober-minded man like myself. The black veil, though it covers only our pastor's face, throws its influence over his whole person, and makes him ghostlike from head to foot. Do you not feel it so?” His wife says, “Truly do I, and I wonder he is not afraid to be alone with himself! Men sometimes are so," says her husband.
As the story continues, even the minister's wife attempts to discover the mystery of the veil. To her requests he says, “There is an hour to come…when all of us shall cast aside our veils. Take it not amiss, beloved friend, if I wear this piece of crepe till then.” Because she does not understand he continues: “Know then [that] this veil is a type and a symbol, and I am bound to wear it ever both in light and darkness, in solitude and before the gaze of multitudes, and as with strangers, so with my familiar friends. No mortal eye will see it withdrawn. This dismal shade must separate me from the world; even you, Elizabeth can never come behind it!.”
When his response is still incomprehensible, she decides to leave him. The minister is heartbroken by this encounter, as well as by the shunning he has received from the rest of the community. He ponders the fact that a mere material item has separated him from the people he loves. However, he presses on to an obvious goal.
Years later, now lying upon his deathbed, Parson Hooper is asked once again to remove the veil. When the attending clergy attempts to finally reveal the mystery of all the years, a sudden energy enters the dying man as he puts his hands up to defend the barrier. As is his wishes, the minister is laid to rest still bearing his cross.
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