Gothic Characteristics
This characteristic involves the realm of the unexplainable, depicted most often as paranormal activity and creatures/monsters
The Supernatural
This theme refers to being outcasted or excluded, whether this be physically or mentally
Isolation
What is the main character's name in "The Minister's Black Veil"?
Mr. Hooper
When did Mr. Hooper remove the veil?
He never did. He was buried with it on.
Who is the author of "The Minister's Black Veil"?
Nathaniel Hawthorne
This characteristic encourages people and readers to lean into the imaginary by trusting what they feel over what's actually happening
Intuition over Logic
This theme centers around one's moral compass, especially it being shaped by a religious setting, and their feelings when they make a mistake
Sin and Guilt
Who was Elizabeth and what part did she play in the story?
What did Mr. Hooper mean when he said, "I look around, and lo! on every [face] a black veil."
He meant that everyone is hiding a secret sin.
What religion were the people in the story?
Puritan
This characteristic can refer to the physical or mental departure from the familiar to the unfamiliar
Strange and Far-Away Places
This theme refers to how someone looks and how other people come to understand that someone based on those looks
Appearances and Perceptions
What effect did the black veil have on the people?
The were frightened and confused by it.
What does the color black symbolize?
sin, death
Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote within the __________________ movement, also referred to as the Gothic, because his stories were about sin and death.
Dark Romanticism
This characteristic centers around the idea of reverting or escaping to simpler times in order to avoid the dark world around us
Love of the Common Man and Childhood
This theme refers to the religious group/denomination featured in the story (and many of Hawthorne's works), as well one's devotion and commitment to said group
Puritanism and Piety
Did anyone ask Mr. Hooper about the veil? Explain why or why not?
No one asked Mr. Hooper about the veil because the were frightened and confused by it.
What message do you think Mr. Hooper wanted people to learn from him?
He wanted them to worry about themselves and not judge others' for their sins.
Name the novel Hawthorne wrote that also touches on the concept of public punishment for sins, piety, and hypocrisy.
The Scarlet Letter
The interest in psychology at this time stemmed from this debate, which overlaps between religion and philosophy
(Human Nature)
What lessons do the "The Minister's Black Veil" teach us?
-Don't judge others based on appearances
-Everyone makes mistakes and is hiding their own sins
-Focus and judge yourself before doing so to others
Instead of asking Mr. Hooper about the veil, what did the people of his church congregation do?
The people began to spread rumors and treated Mr. Hooper like an outcast.
What desirable or positive effect did the veil have?
It made Mr. Hooper a better priest and more relatable to the people.
During what larger literary movement did the author write, which lasted from ~1800-1860?
The American Romantic Period