Can a short story be effective without a plot or true story line? "The Minister's Black Veil" proves this theory to be true. The obvious plot is very vaguely touched upon within the story. Instead, Nathaniel Hawthorne does something different. Hawthorne keeps his audience interested and thinking by placing an abundance of symbolic and hidden meanings throughout the story. Much of the symbolism and hidden messages in "The Minister's Black Veil" are presented during Minister Hooper's dying words and actions on his deathbed. Minister Hooper's dying speech discuses many different things, but the biggest is the reason why he wears the black veil. His last words also tell about Minister Hooper as a person and what he thinks about the members of his congregation. He thinks of the congregation as hypocrites and beings full of sin, but he is always agreeable to be of assistance to them. Another issue that is very symbolic, with respect to the reason he wears the veil, is the resistance demonstrated by Minister Hooper when asked to remove his veil on his deathbed. These things are all important features of the story and they clarify why Mr. Hooper wears the veil to cover his face.

Upon Minister Hooper's resistance, the mourners decided, out of respect, not to lift his veil. Though, in lifting the veil the mourners would have found nothing more than an ordinary, aging man, with no scars or disfigurations. This might have just fueled the curiosity and unsettlement that welled up inside the parishioners. Lifting the veil would not have resolved any of the feelings that overcame them. They would have to live with the memory of the black shroud along with the veil presently hanging over each one of their own faces. All questions would be answered when their lives on this earth ended. Until then, secret sins would act as a separation between people and God. Minister Hooper leaves the dark cloth on for so many years because he has come to the realization that each secret sin is a veil that can never be lifted from anyone's life until the day of his or her death. "There is an hour to come, when all of us shall cast aside our veils. Take it not amiss, beloved friend, if I wear this piece of crepe till then." (Hawthorne, 224) Although not from his deathbed, this quote supports what Minister Hooper is trying to convey in his last words. In saying this, the minister expresses the feeling that while each human resides on this earth, a veil brandishes his or her face. Hooper has taken a vow, and in doing so has made a life task of playing the part of a mirror to the populace around him. He reflects the conscious and well being of each person's individual soul. The veil cannot be lifted till the freedom of truth can be observed.

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1049
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)