Question

"The Minister’s Black Veil" by Nathaniel HawthorneRead the short story "The Minister’s Black Veil" by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Then, reread the lines indicated with each question below. Answer each question, citing text evidence.1. Lines 11–15: What happens in these lines that begins to build the plot?2. Lines 24–40: What is the purpose of a veil? What are some possible symbolic meanings of the color black?3. Lines 40–52: What evidence in these lines suggests this story could be classified under Dark Romanticism?4. Lines 63–98: What clues to the theme of the story are in these lines?5. Lines 101–136: How does the minister’s black veil emphasize his individuality?6. Lines 119–127: A symbol’s meaning is deepened by how the writer develops it throughout the story. What details hint at a meaning of the black veil that is unique to this story? How do these details suggest emotions deeper than sorrow, or emotions suggestive of a terrible or hidden secret?7. Lines 142–152: What words and phrases do Hawthorne give in his depiction of the funeral that contributes to the development of a dark—and even spooky—mood?8. Lines 158–164: What detail develops the symbolic meaning of the veil more deeply in these lines? What is "the dreadful hour"? What veil is snatched from their faces?

Answer 1

Hawthorne's 'The Minister's Black Veil' embellishes the plot with the introduction of the black veil worn by Mr. Hooper. The veil serves as a symbol of hidden sins and individuality, contributing to the story's themes and aligning with Dark Romanticism. The veil's deeper symbolic meaning is suggested through the narrative, reinforcing ideas of hidden transgressions and impending revelation at death.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Minister’s Black Veil, the plot begins to build as the congregation notices their minister, Mr. Hooper, wearing a black veil that conceals his face. The purpose of a veil can be for mourning or as a symbol of separation, and the color black often symbolizes mystery, sorrow, or evil. Lines 40–52 suggest the story aligns with Dark Romanticism through its focus on sin, the complexity of human nature, and the presence of a somber tone. Furthermore, lines 63–98 imply the theme of the story centers on the hidden sins of humanity and the isolating effects of secrets. The minister’s black veil underscores his individuality by setting him apart from the community, as seen in lines 101–136. Lines 119–127 suggest the black veil carries unique symbolism in the story, indicative of an emotional weight that could symbolize a terrible or hidden secret. The story develops a dark and spooky mood in lines 142–152, with Hawthorne's descriptive language at the funeral scene. Finally, the symbolic meaning of the veil is deepened in lines 158–164, which may refer to the ultimate unveiling at death, when all secrets are revealed, often called "the dreadful hour."