The Minister's Black Veil Critical Analysis

People judge others for showing their true self even though they’re not true to themselves. This is evident in the “Minister’s Black Veil” when all of the people judge Mr. Hooper for wearing the veil. “I don’t like it,” muttered an old woman, as she hobbled into the meeting house. “He has changed himself into something awful, only by hiding his face” (267). This theme is also clear when Mr. Hooper’s wife tries to force him to take the veil off. “Lift the veil but once, and look me in the face,” she said (272). Another scene this theme is shown in was when the people accused him of hiding his face because of a secret sin. “But what is the world will not believe that it is the type of an innocent sorrow?” urged Elizabeth. “Beloved and respected
as you are, there may be whispers that you hide your face under the consciousness of secret sin. For the sake of your holy office, do away with his scandal!” (272). People won’t always show their true self, but will still judge you for showing your own. People hide their identity when they aren’t happy.
This is evident during the scene when Mr. Hooper first walks into the church for the first time with the veil. “With this gloomy shade before him, good Mr. Hooper walked onward, at a slow and quiet pace, stooping somewhat, and looking on the ground, as is customary with abstracted men, yet nodding kindly to though of his parishioners who still waited on the meeting-house steps” (267). Another place this theme is shown is when all the people were staring at Mr. Hooper. “A sad smile gleamed faintly about his mouth, glimmering as he disappeared” (269). This theme is also evident in the scene that Mr. Hooper is arguing with his wife about the veil. “If it be a sign of mourning,” replied Mr. Hooper, “I, perhaps, like most other mortals have sorrows dark enough to be typified by a black veil” (272). When people are unhappy they sometimes hide their true identity. Both of the themes in “Minister’s Black Veil” relate to people having to hide their identity because of fear of other’s judgement. In the society that Hawthorne creates, people judge Mr. Hooper for wearing the veil. They also judge him and say he is hiding his true self, when they are actually the ones that aren’t being true. They all show a fake identity to make themselves look better but are scared of the people that do show their true identity. Out of the fear and judgement, they try making Mr. Hooper take of the veil. Hawthorne challenges the people with their true identity and fear of other’s
judgement.