Sunday, November 13, 2016

In "The Minister's Black Veil," what parts of Hooper's face are covered by the veil?

The story opens
with the surprising and shocking appearance of Parson Hooper wearing a black veil. The veil is
described as two layers of crape, a crisp and folded material traditionally associated with
mourning. The veil covers Hooper's eyes, but not his mouth or chin, so we might assume that it
terminates somewhere around the level of his nose. The material is apparently thin enough that
Hooper can see out of it, though it must cast everything he sees in dark tones. 


The exact reasons for leaving his mouth and chin exposed are not stated. Aspects of the
story such as this are the source of much discussion and interpretation that largely depends
upon the reader - for example, because the veil is interpreted by many as a symbol of mourning,
and because Hooper reveals at the end of the story that he "sees" veils on everyone's
faces, the fact that he is only half-veiled allows him to speak for the truth that he sees from
the other side - he is, in a sense, a messenger between the worlds of what is, and what appears
to be. By hiding his eyes, and with them the majority of his identity and humanity, he instead
becomes a living vessel for the messages that others need to hear.

No comments:

Post a Comment

How is Joe McCarthy related to the play The Crucible?

When we read its important to know about Senator Joseph McCarthy. Even though he is not a character in the play, his role in histor...