Question

Why did the author most likely use words "a thin veil" to describe how crimes are covered up

Answer 1

The purpose of a veil is to to hide something or to hinder that something can be clearly seen. And when people want to cover up their wrongdoings with an appearence of goodness, they are called hypocrites. By using the words 'a thin veil', the author's intention could be to show how people see clearly the hypocrisy of the slaveowners.

Answer 2

By using the words 'a thin veil', the author's intention could be to show how people see clearly the hypocrisy of the slaveowners