#1-#6 are on socrative
#7: Hawthorne was not a small critic of Transcendentalism, with its constant proddings for people to tap into the inner-light, and avoid conformity as individuals tap into Nature and the over-soul. How does Hawthorne seem to criticize the basic tenants of Transcendentalism with "The Minister's Black Veil"? What argument does Hawthorne seem to be most critical? Be sure to use specific pieces from the text to support your claims.
As opposed to the very optimistic view transcendentalists had about human nature, the Dark Romantics had a gloomy philosophical view about human failure and proneness to sin and self-destruction, as well as the difficulties inherent in attempts at social reform. The fundamental ideas of dark romanticism can be seen in this story through the assertion on human sin and guilt that impacts all characters. The story paints quite an abstemious picture about humans and the way that, even the best of humans, are tainted by sin. Note what Mr. Hooper says before dying when they try to remove his veil at the end of the story: "Why do you tremble at me alone…Tremble also at each other!” This last speech he makes before dying clearly points towards the symbolic meaning of the black veil. It is shown to represent the secret sin that acts as a barrier between us all. Symbolically, therefore, Mr. Hooper is able to look at everyone around him and see a black veil on their faces too. All he has done is gone one step further and placed a literal veil over his face to represent the sin that all humans suffer from. Hawthorne's use of Hooper's veil teaches that whether we face it or not, we all sin and must accept what we have done, because judgment will come for everyone. Such a pessimistic view of humanity fits perfectly with anti-transcendentalist beliefs about humans.
#8: Finally: Hawthorne carefully avoids ever mentioning what Hooper has hidden. That said, from what you can tell, what is the most likely sin that the Reverend Hooper has committed? Explain the basis for your claim with solid argumentation. (Syllogism, enthymeme, logical reasoning).
The Minister's Black Veil is often cited as an "ambiguous" literature. The author intentionally made it open to interpretation. I believe that Hawthorne used the black veil as a symbol of secret sin and darkness of human nature. This could represent Mr. Hooper's specific sin, adultery. Edgar Allan Poe speculated that Minister Hooper may have had an affair with the young lady who died at the beginning of the story, as this is the first day he wears the veil; "…and that a crime of dark dye, (having reference to the young lady) has been committed, is a point which only minds congenial with that of the author will perceive." As the plot continues, Hooper is unable to tell his fiancée why he wears the veil (due to a vow he has made) and is unwilling to show his face to the young lady even in death. Perhaps he hides the truth from Elizabeth due to his infidelity and feels guilty for what has happened to the girl. Another example is when the two funeral attendees see a vision of him walking hand in hand with the girl's spirit.
#7: Hawthorne was not a small critic of Transcendentalism, with its constant proddings for people to tap into the inner-light, and avoid conformity as individuals tap into Nature and the over-soul. How does Hawthorne seem to criticize the basic tenants of Transcendentalism with "The Minister's Black Veil"? What argument does Hawthorne seem to be most critical? Be sure to use specific pieces from the text to support your claims.
As opposed to the very optimistic view transcendentalists had about human nature, the Dark Romantics had a gloomy philosophical view about human failure and proneness to sin and self-destruction, as well as the difficulties inherent in attempts at social reform. The fundamental ideas of dark romanticism can be seen in this story through the assertion on human sin and guilt that impacts all characters. The story paints quite an abstemious picture about humans and the way that, even the best of humans, are tainted by sin. Note what Mr. Hooper says before dying when they try to remove his veil at the end of the story: "Why do you tremble at me alone…Tremble also at each other!” This last speech he makes before dying clearly points towards the symbolic meaning of the black veil. It is shown to represent the secret sin that acts as a barrier between us all. Symbolically, therefore, Mr. Hooper is able to look at everyone around him and see a black veil on their faces too. All he has done is gone one step further and placed a literal veil over his face to represent the sin that all humans suffer from. Hawthorne's use of Hooper's veil teaches that whether we face it or not, we all sin and must accept what we have done, because judgment will come for everyone. Such a pessimistic view of humanity fits perfectly with anti-transcendentalist beliefs about humans.
#8: Finally: Hawthorne carefully avoids ever mentioning what Hooper has hidden. That said, from what you can tell, what is the most likely sin that the Reverend Hooper has committed? Explain the basis for your claim with solid argumentation. (Syllogism, enthymeme, logical reasoning).
The Minister's Black Veil is often cited as an "ambiguous" literature. The author intentionally made it open to interpretation. I believe that Hawthorne used the black veil as a symbol of secret sin and darkness of human nature. This could represent Mr. Hooper's specific sin, adultery. Edgar Allan Poe speculated that Minister Hooper may have had an affair with the young lady who died at the beginning of the story, as this is the first day he wears the veil; "…and that a crime of dark dye, (having reference to the young lady) has been committed, is a point which only minds congenial with that of the author will perceive." As the plot continues, Hooper is unable to tell his fiancée why he wears the veil (due to a vow he has made) and is unwilling to show his face to the young lady even in death. Perhaps he hides the truth from Elizabeth due to his infidelity and feels guilty for what has happened to the girl. Another example is when the two funeral attendees see a vision of him walking hand in hand with the girl's spirit.