MBV Dialectical Journal
The Minister’s Black Veil
Dialectical Journal Responses
Directions: Using your work from today’s class, please copy the work you completed in class on your chart onto the chart below. Once you have done so, please submit it to turnitin.com.
Page Number
Quote
Analysis/Importance/Explanation
5
“‘Why do you look back?’ said one in the procession to his partner. ‘I had a fancy,’ replied she, ‘ that the minister and the maiden’s spirit were walking hand in hand.’”
This quote is important because the author shows the Puritan beliefs. They believed in ghosts and spirits; the were always fascinated with the supernatural.
11
“'Before the veil of eternity be lifted, let me cast aside this black veil from your face!’”
The person speaking to Father Hooper is telling him that before he dies he should tell someone, specifically him, what has happened to make him wear the black veil.
7
“'If I hide my face for sorrow, there is cause enough,’ he merely replied, ‘and if I cover it for sin, what mortal not do the same?’”
Hooper explains that for whatever reason he may be wearing his veil for, it shouldn’t concern anyone else. He is asking what person would admit to sin like he does with the black veil.
8
“‘O! You know not how lonely I am and how frightened, to be alone behind my black veil. Do not leave me in this miserable obscurity forever!’”
The black veil covering Hooper’s face separates him from all his relations. For him to be begging for his wife to stay with him is pointless, the deed is done and he cannot take back what he has done.
Dialectical Journal Responses
Directions: Using your work from today’s class, please copy the work you completed in class on your chart onto the chart below. Once you have done so, please submit it to turnitin.com.
Page Number
Quote
Analysis/Importance/Explanation
5
“‘Why do you look back?’ said one in the procession to his partner. ‘I had a fancy,’ replied she, ‘ that the minister and the maiden’s spirit were walking hand in hand.’”
This quote is important because the author shows the Puritan beliefs. They believed in ghosts and spirits; the were always fascinated with the supernatural.
11
“'Before the veil of eternity be lifted, let me cast aside this black veil from your face!’”
The person speaking to Father Hooper is telling him that before he dies he should tell someone, specifically him, what has happened to make him wear the black veil.
7
“'If I hide my face for sorrow, there is cause enough,’ he merely replied, ‘and if I cover it for sin, what mortal not do the same?’”
Hooper explains that for whatever reason he may be wearing his veil for, it shouldn’t concern anyone else. He is asking what person would admit to sin like he does with the black veil.
8
“‘O! You know not how lonely I am and how frightened, to be alone behind my black veil. Do not leave me in this miserable obscurity forever!’”
The black veil covering Hooper’s face separates him from all his relations. For him to be begging for his wife to stay with him is pointless, the deed is done and he cannot take back what he has done.