Initially, Mr. Hooper's veil perturbs his congregation, as people find the black veil
to be ominous and foreboding. However, Mr. Hooper's messages seem to be more direct and
influential to his congregation. Hawthorne writes,
"...there was something, either in the sentiment of the discourse itself, or in
the imagination of the auditors, which made it greatly the most powerful effort that they had
ever heard from their pastor's lips" (2).
The veil
symbolically represents the secrets sins that each individual possesses, which are hidden from
society. This strikes a chord with the congregation, making Mr. Hooper a more effective
minister. As time passes, the community becomes accustomed to Mr. Hooper's veil and no longer
fears the minister. Mr. Hooper develops a reputation as a gentle, sympathetic preacher, who has
an "awful power over souls that were in agony for sin." By wearing the black veil, Mr.
Hooper is essentially drawing attention to his own private sins, which makes other
sinners...
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