1. The Minister’s Black Veil
• Mr. Hooper’s sermon
• tinged with darkness
• Parishioners felt guilt – the preacher had
“crept” upon them
• They can’t breath
• As if he discovered their sins
• Voice is melancholy – they tremble
• Air of pathos
2. The people change their behavior
towards Mr. Hooper
• Ignore him
• Won’t walk beside him
• The squire doesn’t invite him to bless his meal
• Don’t know why the veil affects them in this
way
• Think he has lost his mind
3. The Effect of the Veil
• The veil hides our true selves
• If you are alive you are wearing a veil
• veil is a symbol for our effort to hide the sin
• The darkest – sinful part of ourselves only we
know and God knows this dark sinful part of
our being
• Represents the Puritan belief that we are all
sinful
4. Mr. Hooper Transformed
• Seems to be walking hand in hand with death
• Mr. Hooper absorbs the fear of the people
• He turns pale – spills the wine (at the
wedding)
• He is death, sin
• Runs into the dark night
5. People believed
• Mr. Hooper has lost his mind
• Lonely and alone
• People believe he has “secret” sin
• Walks hand and hand with the dead
• He has become a symbol of evil
6. The Effective Pastor
• Mr. Hooper becomes an effective pastor
• By wearing the veil – he admits that he is a
sinner
• He is carrying the sins of his congregation –
Christ-like
• Sinners can relate to him – no judgment
• They fear him – sins are reflected onto him
• Speaking to him is like confession – purifying
their sins
7. Mr. Hooper speaks to the Church
Leaders
• You are all wearing veils –
• Speaking to the high officials of the church
• They too (the church) carries sin
• He isn’t a monster because they also carry a
secret
• When we are all open with each and stop
judging each other then the veil will no longer
be necessary – he no longer will be a monster
