Who Is Mr. Tone In The Minister's Black Veil?

In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Minister’s Black Veil” we are acquainted with a very damaged society. Accordingly, this is evidenced by their prompt reaction to the black veil donned by Mr. Hooper “He has changed himself into something awful, only by hiding his face.” which denotes their superficiality in addition to their intolerance considering he is shown to be the exact same person as before “The sermon which he now delivered was marked by the same characteristics of style and manner as the general series of his pulpit oratory.” On that note, we are able to partake in a lugubrious narrative that unveils the afflictions of our protagonist. As a result, we are given an insight into Mr. Hooper’s motive for this facade: he has lost sight of his own identity and thus he has let his guilt and sins, in the form of this symbolic black veil, override his need of redemption.

As a member of this community, Mr. Hooper shares some of the characteristics that make …show more content…
Hooper’s own contribution to his exclusion. For the most part, this predicament can be attributed to personal issues. Hence, our identity conundrum“At that instant, catching a glimpse of his figure in the looking-glass, the black veil involved his own spirit in the horror with which it overwhelmed all others.” where he now despises who he has become as a result of donning the black veil. Altogether, it’s like he doesn’t recognize himself anymore. Regardless, he keeps on wearing it. A “strange cloud” is said to have settled around him, more gloomily than before. His secret sin has finally overpowered him and he's convinced this is the best way to reach heaven unburdened. This is best portrayed by “Be mine, and hereafter there shall be no veil over my face, no darkness between our souls! It is but a mortal veil--it is not for eternity! 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