Dark Romanticism and The Minister's Black Veil

Hawthorne was an influential writer in Dark Romanticism and is considered one of the key figures in the movement. Dark Romanticism's history was discussed in my previous blog post, and if you feel the need to educate yourself on it's characteristics and notable authors please looks it up. Masterfully written in my opinion. Well to start out this analysis for Dark Romantic characteristics this quote will open up, "It was tinged, rather more darkly than usual, with the gentle gloom of Mr. Hooper's temperament. The subject had reference to secret sin, and those sad mysteries which we hide from our nearest and dearest, and would fain conceal from our own consciousness, even forgetting that the Omniscient can detect them (Digital.)" This quote is from Hawthorne's short story The Minister's Black Veil. The quote talks about the sermons the minister gives after mysteriously garnering a black veil that covers his face for an unknown reason. Hawthorne used this as symbolism for the veil of sin that we all live behind, but refuse to acknowledge. It clouds our judgement and we are so accustomed to it we don't even realize it's there. It's like committing a sin so many times, knowing it is wrong, but eventually becoming accustomed to it and not even acknowledging the fact that is a sin after a while. This psychological analysis of all humans, and his thought that all humans are sinners is a key characteristic of Dark Romanticism. The entire idea of this and his representation of humans being ignorant of their sinful nature, and the nature of man to pick sin over any other option demonstrates his characteristic writing of Dark Romanticism and firmly cements the story into this literary genre. The whole aspect of the entire story being more psychological and focusing on the town's peoples fears and focusing on their nature of sin and ignorance is distrustful of humanity as a whole and shows his lack of faith in the good nature and hope instilled in man. Upon the death of the minister this line is written by Hawthorne, "All through life the black veil had hung between him and the world: it had separated him from cheerful brotherhood and woman's love, and kept him in that saddest of all prisons, his own heart; and still it lay upon his face, as if to deepen the gloom of his darksome chamber, and shade him from the sunshine of eternity (Digital.)" This line shows the sacrifice this man had to give for his people. He connected with them on a better level and the people recognized his symbolism for sin and the dark veil that covered his face. This example of the man dieing alone and sacrificing all he could for the benefit of his people is a bittersweet end and showcases the sheep-like and foolish nature of humans. These characteristics and incidents in the story showcase Dark Romanticism and cement this story and Hawthorne as one of the key figures in the movement and his excellent and psychological writing style.

Hawthorne, Nathaniel. “The Minister's Black Veil” In American Literature. Willhelm, Jeffory, comp. McGraw Hill. Columbus, 2009. Print.