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The Minister 's Black Veil

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The Minister’s Black Veil
The Minister’s Black Veil is a short story by Nathaniel Hawthorne, published in 1836. In this short story, Minister Mr. Hooper shows up one day at church wearing a black veil on his face. This black veil covers his face except his mouth and chin. The people of the town Milford begin to speculate on why Mr. Hooper wears this veil, whether he has been inflicted by an illness or if he is hiding a secret. When he refuses to remove the veil or tell the townspeople why he wears it, they become frightened of the Minister but also slightly intrigued. The children who use to run up to him now run and cower behind their mothers. Many people avoid conversations with him. However, the church becomes more packed every Sunday. People come all over just to gaze at Mr. Hooper, to see his veil. More people convert to his religion, saying, “QUOTE FROM BOOK PAGE 643*”. Although some people shun Mr. Hooper for being so public about his sins and secrets, others feel that this black veil that Mr. Hooper wears really helps them be better people, better Christians, knowing that everyone sins and that it is okay, as long as you do not hide it, and except it as human nature. Mr. Hooper wears the black veil from that day on. He dies wearing this black veil, never removing it or showing his face to anyone. The Minister’s Black Veil is one of many stories written by Nathaniel Hawthorne that symbolizes sin in a very public way.
Many of Hawthorne’s stories are very dominated by

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