Reading Guide For Hawthorne's "The Minister's Black Veil"
Reading Guide for Hawthorne 's "The Minister's Black Veil" – continued , questions for p. 341 - 348
1) See p. 341, and explain the following quote: “The black veil involved his own spirit in the horror with which it overwhelmed all others.”
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2) What details reveal the character of Mr. Hooper’s fiancée?
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3) What possible connections can you make between Elizabeth’s character details and the symbolism represented by the veil?
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4) What does Mr. Hooper’s reply to Elizabeth suggest about the veil’s meaning?
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5) Explain Mr. Hooper’s view of humanity.
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6) Are the villagers able to confront Mr. Hooper directly about the veil? Why or why not?
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7) View the painting on p. 344. How do you think the artist’s perspective and his feelings about this place suggest that he has attempted achieve more than a photographic likeness?
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8) In what way does the atmosphere in the painting (p. 341) reflect the mood of “The Minister’s Black Veil”?
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9) What message is conveyed by the passage beginning “But, even amid his grief” on p. 344?
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10) What can you infer about the people in the community based on their fear of Mr. Hooper’s veil?
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11) Read the passage beginning “In truth, his own antipathy,” and identify words Hawthorne uses to create nature imagery.
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12) Why is it significant that nature, as represented by the wind, respects the veil?
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13) How does Mr. Hooper feel about the veil?
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14) On p. 346, Hawthorne describes the veil as a partition setting Mr. Hooper off from “cheerful brotherhood.” What possible message is Hawthorne conveying?
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15) What does the minister of Westbury mean when he says that the moment of Mr. Hooper’s “release” is near?
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16) The minister of Westbury asks Mr. Hooper, “Are you ready for the lifting of the veil that shuts in time from eternity?” What does the question allude to?
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17) On his deathbed, does Mr. Hooper wish the veil to be removed?
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18) In what ways does this parable convey the message that people possess the potential for both good and evil?
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19) Why do you think Hawthorne does not reveal the reason Parson Hooper begins wearing the veil?
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20) What can you infer about the author’s attitude toward the Puritans from this story? Support your answer.
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