1. Literary Analysis
Hawthorne called “The Minister’s Black Veil” a parable, or story that teaches a moral lesson. However, unlike religious parables such as those in the Bible, Hawthorne’s parable teaches a lesson full of ambiguity, or uncertain meaning. Much of the ambiguity stems from the story’s use of a symbol that is subject to different interpretations. A symbol is an object, setting, or even a character that has meaning as itself but also stands for something greater—often an abstract idea. The central symbol in this story is an article of clothing that the main character vows never to remove:
Swathed about his forehead, and hanging down over his face ... Mr. Hooper had on a black veil.
The veil’s meaning is a mystery for both the characters in the story and the reader. As you read, look for details that will help you decide on your own interpretation of this ambiguous symbol.
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